Immigration status thwarts Cy Ridge student's college hopes

Friday, April 18, 2008

HOUSTON -- Going to Berklee College of Music doesn't guarantee you'll be a superstar, but the list of famous musicians who have graduated from the school in Boston is quite impressive.

And it's a reason a bright student from Cy Ridge High School wants to go there.

But Cy Ridge student journalist Stephanie Madrid says her classmate's hope of attending Berklee are slim to none.

Even though he's tried out, accepted and in the top 10 percent of his class, he can’t attend.

The problem? This senior, who will graduate in just a few weeks, is living in this country illegally.

He came here with his parents from Mexico when he was just 6-months-old.

The immigration debate is hotter than ever. And across the nation, many believe those that came here illegally should not be given the same opportunities as citizens of the U.S., including pursuing higher education.

David Milton is Vice President of Admission at Houston's University of St Thomas.

“Whether they are undocumented students or citizens, I believe in education and the opportunities it provides,â€