Thread: More Students fast for 'dream act'

Student fast aims to spotlight immigration measures
Daniel González
The Arizona Republic
Jul. 31, 2007 12:00 AM

Seven local students began a weeklong hunger strike Monday to show their support for a federal proposal that would allow undocumented students to earn legal status by completing two years of college or military service.

The fasters also are protesting state laws aimed at restricting employment and educational opportunities for undocumented immigrants in Arizona, including the new employer-sanctions law and Proposition 300, a ballot measure that requires undocumented students to pay more costly out-of-state tuition.

By gaining legal status "these students will be able to earn higher salaries and pay higher taxes," said Luis Avila, 25, an Arizona State University student. "I don't see how anyone can argue that a less-educated society is better for the state." advertisement




Avila and six other fasters announced their fast Monday outside the offices of U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz., a co-sponsor of the Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, or DREAM Act.

Pastor spokeswoman Maura Saavedra said the congressman is hoping the bill will come up for a vote this fall.

"As a former high school teacher, I fully appreciate the importance of higher education and support ensuring that all long-time residents of the United States be offered the opportunity to seek a college degree," Pastor said in a statement.

The bill has bipartisan support and was included as part of the comprehensive immigration-reform bill that died earlier this month in the Senate. Opponents contend the DREAM Act is a form of amnesty that would reward people who entered the country illegally.

Avila said the fasters will drink only water during the seven days. Other students will be giving up their cellphones, video games or making other sacrifices to show their support for the DREAM Act, Avila said.

The fast is part of events taking place in cities across the country to drum up support for the DREAM Act.



Reach the reporter at daniel.gonzalez@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-8312.



http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepubli ... r0731.html

Just keep on fasting!

By gaining legal status "these students will be able to earn higher salaries and pay higher taxes," said Luis Avila, 25, an Arizona State University student. "I don't see how anyone can argue that a less-educated society is better for the state."

...Ok, here's an arguement...they would receive benefits even American citizens don't receive. They already have had their education funded by taxpayers all the way through high school. Now, we're supposed to assult the American citizen again with special lower college tuition? And they are ILLEGAL. There is no debate here. Go take a flying leap into the Rio Grande.

Avila said the fasters will drink only water during the seven days. Other students will be giving up their cellphones, video games or making other sacrifices to show their support for the DREAM Act, Avila said.

...WOW, I'm impressed. What great sacrifice to their cause. How about this. I'll drink water for 7 days, give up my cellphone and won''t play video games if this group of ILLEGAL students are deported.

"I don't see how anyone can argue that a less-educated society is better for the state."

Sorry darling.....uneducated CHEAP labor is why big business wanted you here in the first place!!!

I'm sure the majority of them probably need to lose a few pounds anyway!
I always find it comical when people go on hunger strikes. Like if they're stupid enough to starve I should care! Sharpton was another disapointment, he never finished his either.

crazybird wrote:

Sorry darling.....uneducated CHEAP labor is why big business wanted you here in the first place!!!

You're exactly right, crazybird. How dare these folks forget their desired place in society! As a punishment, I think corporate America should demand their immediate deportation.