Conclusion

After exploring the many different viewpoints on the DREAM Act issue, specifically the contrary side, I have concluded that there are many misconceptions and false understandings many Americans have. Although the DREAM Act would indeed change and benefit the lives of many undocumented immigrant youth, not everything is great in the eyes of many of these. I believe that if these people were to be appropriately informed they could maybe see this issue from a better perspective. As I continue with my research on the opposing side of the DREAM Act, I am not sure how I will be able to strongly persuade to the audience that this is the right thing to do. I still want to do more research and find more data and statistics from the opposition side. Also I want to find better more scholarly journals that would help me. I haven’t found as many peer reviewed journals, or other sites that would seem to have a more credible and genuine fountain of information or possible evidence exploring the false idea that the DREAM Act should be passed. As I look forward the argument essay, I’m still thinking about how I could reach out to my audience and bring forth a new perspective of this issue that affects so many. Something that I would like to add is that over the course of my research I started noticing general stereotypes or generalization that Americans have on immigrants per se “All immigrants are criminals, gangbangers and drug traffickers” “Undocumented immigrants rely on taxpayers to support themselves”  that will be key for me to address in my argument essay. I want to be able to refute these ideologies many people have. I would like to do this by making my audience think about “What exactly do undocumented immigrants do to you?” Now that I think about it, I also want to find out Why Americans have a problem with immigrants? I believe it’s not the immigrants, but government policy that’s the problem and that’s what I also want to argue in my next assignment. I would like to conclude my blog with a strong quote I reserved for last, in which I took out from the article “The Tired Arguments Against the DREAM Act” by Maurice Belanger:

“An opinion poll conducted by First Focus (an organization concerned with families and children, found that, when the contents of the DREAM Act was described to them, 70% of the American public Supported the DREAM Act”

This quote was saved for last because not only will it be key to helping me in my next assignment, but I will take this assignment as a personal task to reach out and properly inform about the contents of the DREAM Act to people who would otherwise be opposed to it. This quote also concludes my blog implying that the American population clearly needs to be properly informed on this issue in order to come together and have a better of understanding of why it affects many people.

Too Good To Be True (Continued ...)

As I mentioned in my previous blog, I also found two online articles which favor the DREAM Act (looking and comparing at both sides of the issue now).

The first Article titled “Conservative Quotes on the Politics of the DREAM Act” was published on October 6^th of 2011 by the America’s Voice Education Fund, gathers the quotes of many conservative public figures in the government who surprisingly are in agreement that the DREAM Act should be and needs to be passed. These well known figures include: Former Arkansas Governor and Republican President Candidate; Mike Huckabee, Former Bush Administration Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; General Colin Powell, Florida Republican; Senator George Le Mieux, Utah Republican Senator; Bob Bennett, former Republican Government Office; Jeb Bush, Former Republican Speaker of the U.S House of Representatives; Newt Gingrich and the Bush Administration Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel of Readiness amongst many others. What do all these public figures have in common you ask? Well, they are mostly all Republican, yet agree that; “This needs to be positioned as a first step in a comprehensive solution and not a substitute for a comprehensive solution”- Former Republican Commerce Secretary, Carlos Gutierrez.

“…many of these young people may wish to join the military and have the attributes needed – education, aptitude, fitness and moral qualifications”- Bush Administration Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness

“We believe that if politics are put aside, the DREAM Act could be a first step towards a comprehensive immigration bill, and one that will only benefit our nation… These young immigrant students were raised in America, educated in America and think of themselves as Americans. They did not make the decision to come here without documents. Our nation has already invested taxpayer dollars in their education and training and the DREAM Act will ensure that America will reap the benefits of those investments. America needs and every American should want their talent and skills.”-Juan Hernandez, Founder of Conservatives for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

Looking at this article I can’t help but think about a previous article that I analyzed which also stated that the DREAM Act is the right thing to do by exploring the misconceptions many conservatives have. If that was true and in this article government figures are agreeing with this viewpoint, then again I ask “Why are Americans still opposing this when there are facts and evidence that it will not only benefit undocumented immigrant youth but the country as well?

The second article titled “The Tired Arguments Against the DREAM Act” by Maurice Belanger published on December 21^st 2010, Belanger exposes the arguments many other conservatives against the DREAM Act repetitively argue against every time the bill comes up at the senate table. Many conservatives like Lindsay Graham, and Jon Kyl, insist that the country must first and foremost secure the borders before any legalization program can happen. Belanger, states that these senators have neglected to mention that border patrol enforcement has been greatly escalated by the government in the last few years. An additional $600 million was specifically allocated for border security. Now the border patrol budget stands at $3 billion- nine times that of what it was back in 1992. What they also fail to demonstrate to the public is that as of now, El Paso, Texas ranks as having the lowest crime rate of all cities in the U.S. With a population of 500,000 plus, a recent survey of border residents along the border felt safe in their neighborhoods. They feel the border is secure and also feel it is time to move beyond an argument that had more relevance a decade ago.

In a recent story the Washington Post published, a public opinion poll was conducted by The Post and ABC News. This was what they concluded: 

“The poll suggests that the election, while perhaps a vote against the status quo was not a broad mandate for Republicans and their plans. The survey also underscores the degree to which Americans are conflicted about who they think is setting the agenda in Washington.”

Reading this makes me wonder if Lindsay Graham and Jon Kyl are aware of these statistics or if they are overlooking them and using them as arguments to block the DREAM Act. If this is true as well, that El Paso is the safer now than before, then why does this argument keep popping up everywhere research. This is one of the main reasons why so many oppose the issue. I now am starting to believe that people are not being informed about this. Is the media helping at all? Or are they influencing the American population in a negative way? By now my thinking has evolved. I have learned and possibly come to an assumption that these people are just not getting properly informed and educated. I have also seen that there is more information based on the DREAM Act that supports why it’s a good thing, why it would be beneficial and why it would be the right thing. In many cases I found the opposition sides were not able to back up their counter arguments with data and facts. I believe I have answered my initial question.  My new question arising are how can we educate the public more about this issue in a way that they could have a better viewpoint of it? I would like to argue that this is indeed the right thing to do in my next assignment. As I stated in the beginning, I am an affected person by this issue and I will stand behind supporting this issue no matter of all the negative things I read that would help me in my research. It has also made me become more aware of areas where I need to be more prepared when debating, arguing or trying to persuade someone from the opposite side. 

Too Good To Be True

In a recent quest to search for more information for my final blog posts, I came across a series of four online articles. Two of which opposed the DREAM Act and two who favored it. 

The first two articles that strongly oppose the issue were: “The Proposal” by Darin Smith, published in 2011 through the San Joaquin Delta College and “A DREAM Bill That’s More Like A Nightmare” published on November 25^th of 2010 by David Frum from TheWeek.com

In both articles Smith and Frum argue in their articles that the DREAM Act provides amnesty for illegal behavior, encourage future illegal immigration and make tuition unfair to everyone.  

In his article, (The Proposal) Smith begins describing the typical story of an undocumented child who wishes to pursue a higher education but cannot because of the high tuition rate undocumented youth are obliged to pay. He notes that the DREAM Act is and in a perfect world would be the solution for many in this situation, but later on begins to show his real stance on his issue. 

According to Smith, “people oppose to immigration views on subject with prejudice and ignorance” I agree with his quote. I do see that many who counter argue aren’t the most educated about the issue as the ones who usually favor it and those who aren’t facing and dealing with the situation often act with prejudice. He continues his article arguing that the DREAM Act does nothing but the following: 

“… by participating in an illegal act, an immigrant can obtain legal status”

“… more illegal immigration secures millions of green cards to the parents of the beneficiaries”

“… immigrants refuse to or are unwilling to obtain legal status”

“… provide unjust tuition favors, law-abiding foreigners and out-of-state students are denied.”

“… illegals receive tax-payer-funded tuition assistance”

            In David Frum’s article (A DREAM Bill That’s More Like A Nightmare), Frum begins his article also by presenting the compassionate story of many who children who came into the United States illegally and are relying on the DREAM Act to help them reach their dreams of obtaining legal status and quickly starts bashing Harry Reid’s legislation that would provide “amnesty” for illegal aliens saying that it has no chance of passage and starts listing the many reasons why that’s  good news for Americans. 

According to David Frum, the DREAM Act cannot and it’s not meant to pass, it’s not even “meant to come to vote” it’s a “ruse and a sham” “an appalling, deceptive piece of legislation with very sinister consequences”. Frum in a way implies to Americans that those too old to qualify or entered the border can simply get and will get a means of obtaining falsified papers to file an application under DREAM. Not only is he misinformed but the use of falsified papers to apply for the DREAM Act is unacceptable. In order to apply one needs contending proof they were registered in an American high school, have paid taxes and have constantly lived in the U.S for more than five consecutive years. Frum also goes on asking his audience a question “wont using false papers get me in trouble? Not a bit” Also wrongly informing readers. Of course the use of falsified papers will prevent and disqualify one from qualifying or be considered for the DREAM Act.

 Frum continues stating that DREAM can offer a parent amnesty too, right away and be able to “gain access to a lifetime of tax-payer funded disability payments” Again, a misinformed and falsely statement. DREAM Act beneficiaries won’t be able to qualify for government funded programs, also excluding direct family members. 

Lastly Frum states that if one is too young to attend a university, they need not to worry because they can apply as soon as they turn twelve years of age by only giving notice to DREAM that they are intending to either go to college or join the military in the future, offering them a safe harbor. Wrong again. One cannot apply for the DREAM Act before they have graduated from an American High School. Ideally the age would be of eighteen years, the age when a typical high school senior tends to graduate. 

Frum keeps his article’s momentum with falsely and misinformation that would be candy to any American who opposes the issue, as valid, credible and a cleverly yet magnificent easy way to understand and convince someone why the DREAM Act is not a good thing and therefore should be put in the trash and forgotten about. This was gold for me. 

At this point I see a clearer view of where Americans are getting convincingly wrong misinformation. Being more informed and educated about this issue throughout my research i know that Frum's article cannot be trusted entirely. I'm questioning their website. In my opinion they are very anti- on many of the issue they present not only the DREAM Act but other various. Now on Smith's blog type article, I can understand why he thinks that it will be unfair for those who are legally here but would still have to pay out-of-state tuition rates, while undocumented individuals get would "get away" with it. I do however have to disagree with his quote regarding that undocumented immigrants simply refuse to obtain legal status. The main reason why the DREAM Act exists is because of the same reason that many don't have the means to start an immigration process and therefore this would be the only way to obtain legal status. I have become more informed of why many people oppose this and will probably keep opposing this side and in many ways has made be become more tolerant and see their side of this issue.

Undocumented & Unafraid

A video made before the Dream Act was rejected by the Senate. Illustrating "DREAMERS" (undocumented individuals awaiting the DREAM Act to pass in order to change their legal status)
These Dreamers have already graduated out of high schools and colleges some already w college degrees, but they cannot put to work their degrees because of their status. This video also would be helpful to all those opposing the DREAM Act stating that we should get in line to become legal. This is just what they have done.

Myths vs. Facts

A few nights ago sitting in a Starbucks I was trying to find something that would answer one of my questions based on American opinion. Would the DREAM Act be rewarding illegal behavior? I re-took my research though the web but this time looked at better sources such as the [.org] websites.

I came upon two very useful articles. One titled “Myth vs. Fact: The DREAM Act (No More Excuses on This Bill)” published recently in December 7th of 2010 by Marshall Fitz from the Center for American Progress. The second article was “Dispelling DREAM Act Myths” published by the Immigration Policy Center. Both articles lay out the myths and facts most people on the contrary side of this debate often use as reasons as to why the DREAM Act should NOT be passed. Some of these myths include: 

America can’t afford the DREAM Act

The DREAM Act would reward illegal behavior

Passing the DREAM Act would encourage more illegal immigration

 The DREAM Act would trigger large-scale “chain migration”

We have to secure the border before doing anything else on immigration, we can’t bother with issues like the DREAM Act when we have more pressing priorities

 and

We need more time to analyze the DREAM Act

These are just some to name a few. 

Both articles had my questions as some their myths to discuss about. Is the DREAM Act rewarding illegal behavior while contributing to the spur of illegal immigration? The answer both articles imply was no. The DREAM Act has a cut off dates that offer no incentives for more illegal immigration and in order to qualify for the DREAM Act a student must have entered the United States before the age of 16 and have lived in the U.S for at least five years before the date of enactment, with proof, leaving many who came after the cut-off-date not eligible. According to the article “Denying hope and opportunity is already a punishment for an act beyond their control. Enabling them to work hard and earn the privilege of citizenship is hardly “rewarding” illegal behavior. “The hypocrisy of some of the elected officials who would condemn these kids to marginalization is shameful. Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), who has confessed to moral waywardness, complaints with a straight face that these kids are subverting the rule of law”

Both articles and writers effectively address many misconceptions that I have been questioning non-supporters to give me a clear understanding of why they oppose this issue when clearly both these articles point out the opposite. It is a necessity, the U.S cannot afford not to pass the DREAM Act because the Congressional Budget Office, or CBO has done the analysis and has concluded that the DREAM Act would reduce the deficit by $2.2 billion over the next 10 years. More importantly the alternative of removing the 700,000 eligible kids would cost taxpayers $16.2 billion over five years. Both articles provide statistics to its research and correctively straight and accurate facts. But the Immigration Policy CenterCenter for American Progress does not include. At this point I am on the fence. If this is true and there is more evidence that the DREAM Act is a good thing and is indeed beneficial not only for undocumented immigrant but the country as well. Are Americans not being briefly informed and is this why they don’t support the issue? Also, where are they getting these misconceptions from? Are they even true? Is there evidence or research to their misconceptions and claims? I wonder if these articles are also favoring the DREAM Act to a point where they are only exposing the good things about the issue but not the negatives. 

Post #3

As I began searching for evidence that might answers my questions, I felt overwhelmed to find a lot of information on immigration as a whole and what the DREAM Act constitutes of but haven’t been finding a lot of general American public opinion on this issue. My immediate source was the Poudre Library’s Academic Premier, where I easily located a vast variety of information on topics of immigration and the Dream Act along with some very powerful anecdotal journals from former DREAMers. Viewing the many scholarly sources offered I was not quite satisfied with the information found, which made me do some research on some organizational websites, comparing them with the CQ Researcher through Academic Premier.

The first article titled “Immigration Debate (Can Politicians find a way to curb illegal immigration?)” was published through CQ Researcher (a division of the Poudre Library’s Academic Premier) during 2008 and then updated in December of 2010. An article summarizing illegal immigration, analyzing the situation and a possible immigration reform. Towards the end of the article I found a section specifically on my topic: “Should illegal immigrants be allowed to attend public colleges and universities?” a brief space that is used to put forth FAIR’s view on the subject, versus the opponent side; The American Immigration Law Foundation. FAIR states that “[undocumented students] … are taking slots and huge amounts of public subsidies that would otherwise go to Americans or legal immigrants.” Raising the question whether as to: should illegal immigrants be banned colleges and universities all together? The American Immigration Law Foundation argues that the DREAM Act is a reasonable compromise that wouldn’t give undocumented/illegal immigrant students access to scholarships and grants. The states that do have in-state tuition rates for illegal immigrants have not seen an increase in registration. According to the article the DREAM Act would “protect students and if we’re going to have them in this country because they aren’t going to leave the only place they’ve known as home, then we might as well embrace it and help them be as educated as possible”. "It would be helpful to our economy to have these kids get college degrees." A question that arose after reading this was “Are undocumented immigrants being subsidized in one way or another indirectly by the government and taxpayers? How many states would be willing to completely shut down higher education as a whole to undocumented immigrants? I would tend to believe that we as undocumented immigrant students paying the out-of-state tuition rate would be helping the government and our communities by putting more money back into the system. I thought this was where all or most public colleges and universities got the funds (other than government funds) to for their institutions. How would an American student feel about attending a class with a fellow undocumented classmate? Would they embrace it and help them be as educated as possible? Or would they favor colleges who would shut down higher education to undocumented students?

Searching for more information I came across an article titled “Can’t Kill This Dream” published by The Center for American Progress in December 7^th of 2010. A brief article demonstrating that ever since the last Dream Act bill failed to pass by congress, the DREAM action didn’t flinch or stagnated. Instead they have come with more power than ever. They became bigger, louder and stronger by marching on the lame duck session with a singular purpose. These DREAMers are not letting politicians stump their dreams. The mobilization in support will not stop until the DREAM is reality to hundreds and thousands of people. In the past months they have been stepping out of their boxes and become more public and explicit about who they are and what they are fighting for. From hunger strikes that have generated mass media to galvanizing support from business and religious leaders in states across the U.S marching along with veterans. They have “outed” themselves publicly on national TV risking getting arrested and even deported.  Reading this article made me see how strong these people are and how far they are willing to push themselves and do things that are so unthought-of, just so they can make their dreams come true.

Both articles although a bit different all came back to the same issue: the DREAM Act and why many want it to pass. These undocumented immigrant students may never be able to use their degree because of their status. The country wants more jobs to be made. Would the DREAM Act help create more jobs? What position would Americans take a stance on then? If undocumented immigrants were to have a way to become legalized, more lawyers would be needed. More judges and more cases would need to be reviewed which means more personnel would be needed. Also if they were able to do so, would they want to buy homes and cars? Would they send their children off to college and set up new businesses? Ideally this would be the best for the economy, but viewing this from the American standpoint on the conservative side I could argue that this is exactly what conservatives don’t want. I would feel somewhat angry and my first thought would be that the government isn’t setting their priorities straight. The government would seem to be favoring illegals before native born citizens. In no way would it create jobs, it would probably displace many because of competitiveness between legal and undocumented. Also if these dreamers were to benefit from the DREAM Act, they would start overcrowding colleges and universities. If they can get their degrees in the United States, but not work in their countries then that’s when they’d go back to their countries. As a conservative I’d ask: Are we the only ones with universities? Why don’t they study back home? Why does the U.S have to solve the problems these law-breaking individuals face? I would oppose the DREAM Act believing that in my own opinion that there are other important issues the American government needs to address before even considering undocumented immigrants.

Analyzing outside the thinking box, I can start to form a puzzle together. Without knowing many other reasons as to why Americans oppose the issue, I can quickly see the areas where they would backfire. Americans look out for their personal interest first and foremost. In the next blog I will research more about these misconceptions they would use to use as counter arguments.

Works Cited :

Greenblatt, A. (2008, February 1). Immigration debate. CQ Researcher, 18, 97-120. 

Retrieved from http://0-library.cqpress.com.catalog.poudrelibraries.org/      cqresearcher/http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/

Document URL: http://0-library.cqpress.com.catalog.poudrelibraries.org/cqresearcher/http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2008020100

I Am An American

This video clip probably is one of my favorites. I can relate to Jose just like many others in our position. It got to me, making me feel nostalgic. I encourage you to watch this clip and leave some comments.


Welcome to a new conversation about immigration in our country.


To learn more, visit http://www.DefineAmerican.com


Define American is dedicated to changing the conversation about immigrants in America who are an inexorable part of our communities and our society. Founded by award-winning multimedia journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, Define American harnesses the power of storytelling and social media to bring about greater awareness of and support for immigration reform.


To learn more, visit http://www.DefineAmerican.com