Freedom and Opportunity...

“The United States has a long history of welcoming immigrants from all parts of the world. America values the contributions of immigrants, who continue to enrich this country and preserve its legacy as a land of freedom and opportunity. Freedom and opportunity are of the utmost importance in the United States and we wish you the very best as you begin your journey.” These are the welcoming words on the US Citizenship and Immigration’s website. The United States wishes you the very best as you begin your journey. And what does that journey consists of exactly?

Wish me luck as my family moves here from Korea for a better life. Wish me luck as I go to elementary school without knowing a word of English. Wish me luck as I apply for a green card. Wish me luck as I overstay my visa waiting for my green card. Wish me luck as I can’t get a job without a social security number. Wish me luck as I graduate high school. Wish me luck as I can’t apply for financial aid for college. Wish me luck as I head home from a low-wage job at midnight. Wish me luck as I get stopped by an officer for being out past curfew and can’t produce an ID. Wish me luck as I have just been notified of my deportation in 3 months, two days before Christmas.

“Freedom and opportunity are of the utmost importance in the United States and we wish you the very best as you begin your journey.” You wish me the best of luck on my journey, you say opportunities are of the utmost importance, then why do you make it so damn hard. This student’s situation which was just described is not an uncommon one. When you hear of an undocumented person, there are a couple of things that may pop into your mind; “Illegal, Mexican, criminal.” But as studies have proved, this isn’t necessarily true. Undocumented immigrants pay taxes, they don’t swamp the health care system, they’re not more likely to commit crimes, and even though Mexicans make up a majority of the undocumented population, many of these immigrants come from Asia, Europe, Africa, and across the globe.

Every year, 65,000 undocumented students graduate from U.S. high schools, and many of these students will have a hard time going to college because they’re denied financial aid, scholarships, loans, and in-state tuition rates because of their status. And these students aren’t illegal. These students aren’t criminals. They’re students. They’re here to learn, and the nation is turning them away. The land of opportunity is turning away future doctors, future teachers, and future leaders. The DREAM Act is a federal bill re-introduced on March 26th by Senator Durbin of Illinois. The bill aims to allow eligible undocumented students an opportunity to pursue a higher education and pave a pathway to legal status.

"Freedom and opportunity are of the utmost importance..." So let's give these deserving students the freedom and opportunity to continue their education. To contribute to this country. To live, love, and learn in this country. Let's make it more for everyone than just a dream.