Noor Qasim

To Overhaul Immigration, Advocates Alter Tactics

by Julia Preston

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/02/us/02immig.html?scp=2&sq=immigration&st=cse

Summary:

Four immigrant students are walking 1,500 miles to Washington to protest the lack of legislation reform concerning illegal immigrants and granting them citizenship. The walk puts them in great danger of being detected and deported, but they believe that the danger they face is no greater than they face on an every day basis. The protesters decided to walk because they have a "deep desire and need for complete citizenship" and have been turned away in many economic, social, and educational endeavours. The walkers support overhaul bills that would help open a path to citizenship for illegals brought over when they were young. One of the walkers was brought over when they were 2(now 22) and another when 14 (now 23), yet neither of them have yet gained legal status. Their lack of citizenship has caused many lasting hardships and made it very hard for them to fufill the 'American Dream.' However, the issue of being illegal has often fought back the tides of immigrants begging for reform. These walkers hope to widen awarness of the situation they face, and help gain support for the reform they feel is neccessary.

Relation to Class:

In class we've been studying immigration and the hardships facing these immigrants. These immigrants and their families (although illegaly) came to the US looking for a better life, and have had a very hard time doing so. Anti-immigrant sentiment also makes it harder for bills to be passed, making their hopes for reform far less probable. The issue of immigration is huge and has as much of an impact now as it did around the turn of the century.

Discussion Questions:

1.) Do you think that these illegal-immigrants, and others like them deserve legal status? Why or why not?

2.) How does the age of illegal-immigrants coming over affect you're view of their situation?

3.) Do you think the restrictions on illegal-immmmigrant resources are fair?

My answers:

1.) I believe that these immigrants do deserve their citizenship. They've proven their drive for being a part of the community, and they are actively pursuing an education and livliehood. They've shown that they will not become a burden on the American people. They were also brought over with their families, so they didn't really have the choice to stay behind.

2.) I think the younger the child was when brought over, the less fair their illegal status becomes. A 2 year old does not get to decide whether they are coming over illegally, and they should not be punished for their parents decisions. Also, immigrants who came at a young age are often raised in American culture. They are,essentially, American, except for in the eyes of the law. They deserve the same opportunities as children born here.

3.)Well yes, I do. If you came over illegally then you should not be able to get jobs or financial aid as easially as someone who followed the systems. Breaking the law is breaking the law, and it would not be fair to the immigrants that followed the rules to just let them have all of the opportunities that regular citizens have. However, I don't think that these restrictions should neccessarily be extended to the children of these families. They should not be punished for the choices of their parents.