Dream Act Should Become Law

America owes education, citizenship to upcoming generation of immigrants

Michael_LambertWilla Cather described the main character of "My Antonia" as a "rich mine of life, like the founders of early races."

There is no doubt that, throughout the novel, Antonia built for herself a life in which she could take pride. She had made for herself a family in the unforgiving world of the early American West. This attitude touches all of our old patriotic feelings, all the posturing and emotional rhetoric about "America" that dominates today's media. But Cather did not write these words for a character that was American by descent. She wrote them for Antonia, a Bohemian girl trying to make her life in the frontier. An immigrant. And it is her life that, like Cather, we must accept as ours.

To compare this to our current struggles with immigration is a slight stretch, and the comparison would probably devalue both our political battles and Cather's work. But the schizophrenic approach that we — not just as a nation, but as a state — maintain toward immigration is staggering. I feel we are caught between protecting our jobs and still holding true to what Cather's words express — mainly, how much this country owes to its immigrants.

Just look at current legislation. A bill to crack down on undocumented workers — reminiscent of Arizona's — has already caught attention in this state. But what about Rep. Dan Cooper's proposal to increase funding to school districts based on the number of poor students and students who speak English as a second language? Teachers have welcomed this money, hoping that more ESL instruction will improve progress in their classrooms. This almost mirrors the desire behind the failed DREAM Act, namely, a desire to open an opportunity for immigrant children and give them a stake in this country.

There is no question that the competition for jobs is a fierce one, and not every illegal immigrant is as saintly as many advocates would have us believe (America's war on drugs has taught us that much). But many have come for their families, not themselves. Among those families — whether they be from across the border or across the globe — is our generation's Antonia: some young man or woman who would willingly build a life if given the opportunity. Our debates will always continue, but while they do, a generation of youth — either illegal or the children of illegals — is growing up caught between countries. That is a generation we cannot afford to neglect. There is no longer any unconquered West for these Antonias to tame. There is only the path of education and citizenship.

I look forward to seeing Cooper's proposal in action. I look forward to another year in which the DREAM Act may have a chance at becoming law. I truly look forward to legislation that aims at protecting all future generations of this state, offering us all a way to contribute both to ourselves and to our communities. That is what we deserve and what those before us have earned.

http://www.dailygamecock.com/viewpoi...uld-become-law

They have cut over 500 teachers here in SC and guess who gets the cuts first? The ESL teachers , they are getting rid of 1000 teachers in New York and guess who is getting taken out ESL teachers. California is removing 12 billion from k-12 guess were the cuts will come from. ESL teachers make the most money than other teachers and the outcome is were going to keep fewer ESL teachers and increase the class sizes of illegal immigrant children. You beat this by getting your family and your cousins, mothers , fathers to go to the local YMCA or community center and take English classes. Why is this not taking place in the homes of undocumented children now. Learn English or you will get lost in the crowd of this country don't take it a negative against your ego take it as a must have to stay here don't let laziness get you sent back.

dude, you need to work on your grammar.

I was lost half way through that passage lol

It will pass soon.

"soon" in terms of sometimes between now and eternity. "Soon" will arrive some day, and guarantee that "soon" will be here before the end of time

OWES!? OWES!? hahahaha.. I'm pro DA , duh, but OWES!? that's just ... wow.

My predictions are this Spring as Obama also says that. End of time is suppose to be 12/21/12.

Dude you need to start posting more congruent stuff relating to the topic. All of your posts are frkn nonsense and pointless. We need news, support, updates, info, etc not stupid / pointless comments and annoying avatars.

You sir need serious mental help. Just by the fact of wasting your time on this site everyday I can diagnose that you need to get your head examined, seriously.

Dear Abbey, I was merely asking for some insight on the owes part. Id love some support and guidence too. As for the avatar, hahahahaaaa. That's irrelevant to the thread. I'm not too clear on the owing part. I think people earn what they get through hard work or schemes but determination is at the core of it all. Please enlighten me with your support.

Xoxo