HB 255: Undocumented Students

I read over the bill. It states that "an applicant for admission,... unless verifying that the applicant is authorized by law to be present in the United States" may not be admitied. I am somewhat relieved that it does not automatically take out undocumented students that are already enrolled from the institution, but stilll fustrated about the issue. I wonder what kind of people in his district that allows his representative to propose such a bill.

Everyone and anyone who is here in the United states has a voice. No one should be denied the priviliage to obtain a college degree. Most students who have no legal documentation is because of the parents. It is crutial that they get an equal opportunity to better there future like we are all aiming for. If this bill is passed, it would most deffinetly affect the majority of the student body at Pan Am and at other local colleges and universities. We cannot allow this to happen.

It would be helpful for you to know that according to statistics, there are only just over 300 undocumented students currently at UTPA. But thats irrelevant to the fact that you say we're the "Joke of the UT system," as if undocumented students cannot perform equally, if not better than citizens.

I do not believe that anyone who is an illegal alien in this country should be afforded ANYTHING. They are an absolute drain on the economy and prevent services from being had by those who have gone about coming into this country legally. I think that all illegals, even those currently enrolled, should be kicked out of the university and sent home where they belong. If you want to come into this country legally, then you will be welcomed with open arms. The rest of you are CRIMINALS!!!!!

First of all to the person that referred to UTPA as a joke is probably one of the reasons for that belief. I say to you, put your efforts where your mouth is. Make an effort and not an excuse.
Secondly, having been a Bilingual/ESL director in Utah from 1995-1999 when number of recent immigrants were rising, I think it is very important to consider this bill and the effects. Many students who apply to attend UTPA and other higher education institutes in the U.S. are children of people who came into this country to provide a better life for their children. Many of these children were brought into this country and taken from the extended families and homes they were familiar with. Fortunately for them, they were enrolled in our public schools and many of them have had wonderful academic strides and wish to pursue higher education. Why should they be deprived solely because of a decision their parents made when they were children. As a school teacher myself I am saddened to say that some of the children born and raised in this country have little or no appreciation for the benefits and opportunities that are afforded them as citizens.
Students who want to go to college should be allowed to enroll as long as they demonstrate evidence of their preparation and desire to study and work hard in order to become self-sufficient and law-abiding members of our society. Would it be better to keep them from higher education and have them struggling and adding to our already high percentage of low-socioeconomic population? This country is and has always been a land of immigrants. Let us not forget that, especially if our ancestors are part of the same roots.

Might I say two things to mr "Secure our Borders:"

1. The brandishing of one as a "criminal" seems to have devolved in your posts from description to childish name-calling. I understand your point, but its unnecessary for this reason:

2. Your "freeloader" argument isn't substantive because its directed at kids who are attempting to come to college and pay their own way.

To entertain your point, who says "criminals" can't do anything positive? Should one, because he has broken the law someway, be forever inclined to terrible actions and negative activity, or can a "criminal" make a positive decision by going to college and making a difference in their community?

I'll let you think that one over

What a shame. The day we choose to remove or revoke students who want to get their education. What a shame.... To think this is legislation....

Unless you are indigenous to North America, then everybody in the U.S. comes from lines of immigration. It is inconsiderate to call anybody an "illegal alien,” undocumented people are striving for a better life, trying to escape poverty in their countries. People would not leave their countries to be subservivient in another, unless they were escaping dire circumstances. Most immigrants are suffering a forced economic deportation from their countries, rather than choosing voluntarily to come here as what some people call "illegals." The heart of the issue, however, is that most, if not all of these students came to the U.S. as young children. They succeeded in graduating, unlike many domestically born students. Everything that can possibly be done to admit undocumented students should be done, including federal financial aid. And no, federal financial aid is not available to undocumented people. As for the people that say things like, "this is the only country that rewards people who are illegal," they are severely misinformed. Actually, undocumented workers, in most cases do pay federal and state income taxes; yet will never reap the benefits of social security. They contribute hundreds of million of dollars to social security, yet will never have a retirement fund, nor any means of supporting themselves when they grow to old to perform laboring tasks. If you ask me that is no reward. Furthermore, undocumented workers contribute disproportionately to the economy by way of sales taxes. They make lower wages, and therefore spend a higher percentage of their earnings on taxed goods. If you think we are in a recession now, you would not want to see what would happen if "illegals were kicked out of the country."

In fact, most undocumented workers are employed in industries and jobs that citizens would not even considering taking. Without the hard and diligent work of undocumented workers, primarily Latinos, we might be paying $5.00 for an orange or a head of lettuce, or the price of home. Imagine the effects that would have on our economy.

In addition, it is important that the history of the United States is remembered. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was only signed under false pretenses. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna was forced to cede land while being held hostage by the U.S. military for only $15 million. Much of the United States sits on land stolen from Mexico, and the U.S must remember its history. Also, all those who are not Native American might be considered illegal immigrants, and therefore people should not act as if it is their God given right to be in the U.S., rather a privilege afforded to them at the cost of the exploitation, death, and brutal murders of millions of Natives.

From a more personal perspective, I come from a fourth generation Mexican family. I am well educated, and have taken advantage of every opportunity that I have received, despite the barriers I have faced. I was in the top 10% of one of the best private schools in California and graduated with a GPA well over 4.0, and nearly a year of college due to Advance Placement Courses. This was all possible because of the scholarship money I received. Despite my success, I will be the first to admit the many educational failures within my family. Many of my cousins, also fourth generation Mexican Americans, are young men and women with no high school diploma, at least one child, and no skills. Furthermore, many are on welfare, and make no contribution the American economy.

On the other hand, my husband, who is undocumented, but that was brought here as a seven year old, graduated from high and has contributed to society by working for the last eight years by paying income taxes and sales taxes. Furthermore, he has done extensive volunteer work for the homeless and disenfranchised, and is simply a hard working man striving for success. However, he cannot attend school, and is reduced to working low wages job that do not allow him to meet his full potential or capabilities. Also, if he were able to make higher wages, I would have to take out fewer loans for law school, therefore freeing up loan and financial aid money for others. Every member of my husband’s family is hard working, not living off the government, and is contributing to the economy. They might be able to further enhance their economic contribution to U.S if they were given the opportunity to receive higher education (financial aid would be necessary).

It seems the problem is not the undocumented workers, but our young generations who are not employed and our taking advantage of welfare and other programs. While I am a proponent of welfare, it is hugely taken advantage of. It should be used to help people get on their feet, not as a lifestyle choice. These young people are capable of working, even if it means working at terrible institutions like McDonalds. So with this, the United States should look to solve its problems, not by limiting people’s abilities, but by ensuring all people are meeting their capabilities, mainly by providing opportunity for education as well as a path to citizenship. We must remember that this country thrives on the work of our labor force, mainly made of Latinos who are undocumented.