Thread: 9 Numbers to a Diploma by Anabelle Gonzale

9 Numbers to a Diploma by Anabelle Gonzalez

When I see my best friend Noelie, I see our similarities but there is one thing that makes her life completely different from mine. The contrast between me and my best friend are the nine numbers of my social security card. Noelie can’t obtain one because she is “undocumented.” Noelie was born in Columbia and arrived here when she was eight years old. She is now 19 years old and has goals, ambitions, and dreams just like me. But unlike those who take advantage of all the educational opportunities this country offers, Noelie is an undocumented student which means she cannot attend college. Many who are in her situation feel as though they have limitations to success.

Noelie was hesitant to talk about her situation, but when I asked her what she thought of the difference between her situation and those who don’t have similar barriers preventing them from attending college, she opened up: “It’s funny how those who have the opportunity to go to college because they were born here throw away that opportunity, while on the other hand people in my situation, who would really like to go to college, wouldn’t take the risk of going because they think they’ll be deported, especially with what is going on with the immigration today.”

During high school, Noelie was at the top 10 percent of our class; won an award because of her outstanding achievements; and dreamed of being accepted to the University of Pennsylvania and majoring in architecture. Now, she cleans banks because it is one of the few jobs that does not require her to show any documents. Sadly, she tells me that her life feels like a contradiction: “Last year, at this very moment, I was getting ready for graduation, wanting a better future, and now, I get ready to work a job that hardly pays to survive, still wanting a better future when it comes to having a career and not knowing if it’s possible.”

But what Noelie isn’t aware of yet is The DREAM Act—bipartisan legislation pending in the U.S. Congress that addresses the situation faced by younger people who are brought to the United States years before as undocumented immigrant children. This pending legislation promotes funding and eligibility for undocumented students who have been in the country for more than five years and have been brought up with “good moral conduct.” Students in such situations are given the opportunity to go to college. If passed, the DREAM Act would be a six year process that would conclude by giving these undocumented students the opportunity to become residents. This act is the only hope many like Noelie have of obtaining a college education in this country.

When I told Noelie about this act, she responded cautiously: “The whole idea sounds a little weird to me. Today in age it seems as though there’s a catch to everything.”

And in fact there is something holding up the DREAM Act. It’s called FAIR, also known as the Federation for American Immigration Reform. FAIR is an organization against illegal students being educated in the United States. They believe “tax payers are spending billions of dollars each year for the education of illegal students,” and are lobbying Congress not to pass the DREAM Act.

I asked Noelie what she thought about this. She smiled knowingly and spoke of how much undocumented people have contributed, in money and labor, to this country. She paused and added: “I have to believe something positive will happen for undocumented students who desire a college education.”

http://www.brooklynrail.org/2006-10/str ... skool-jour

I dunno about anyone else, but I'm getting tired of these kinds of stories.

I wanna know where the "DREAM ACT" for the legal kids is. Sure, it's not a child's fault their parents brought them here illegally. Just like it isn't the legal kid's fault their parents are legal, so why does this act apply only to illegals?

Ladydrake,
I understand, but we have to see what the opposition is saying. They dont seem to come up with too many original things to say.

Noelie's illegal act has hurt future. This is true for anyone who breaks the law. We simply cannot allow an illegal alien to take a seat in an American college, knowing they are taking a seat away from a deserving citizen. That would be a terrible crime.

D.W.

Don't they have universities in her home county?

Well cry me a river. If little Noelie had parents who loved her, they would take her home so she would have opportunity. Instead, what is not said is that the parents are sacrificing their own children because they are to lazy to stay home and fix their own problems. Instead, thanks to porous borders, they are enticed here. Sorry, no sympathy for people who bring it upon themselves and their children. Once again, we observe the liberal philosophy of avoidance of personal responsibility and of the welfare, victim mentality. All together now: show us your limp wrists, now wring your hands, and give away other peoples money so you can feel good about yourself.

Arguing with those socialist/communists/communitarians is useless and a waste of breath. Ship them home. Report any suspected illegal you see working in your town, to your state representative. Put the heat on them since they are closer to the problem. And don't take this "but it's the fed's responsibility" B.S. either.