Migrates from Latin and Central America travel to the US in search of job opportunities, but most lack an adequate education that provides them with critical skills needed in the workplace. The risks most Latino migrants take are in the hopes of achieving a stable life free of financial burden or poverty. However, in most cases education because a deciding factor in the success of individuals in the labor force. Since the Plyer vs Doe case granting education to immigrants, attainment has increasingly become a topic of interest for many communities. Disputes ranging from the expenditures of the state’s budget and the use of resources that should belong to US natives, are the main responses to their presence in the educational system. However,
…show more content…
Down These Mean Streets by Piri Thomas describes this issue in an account of a job interview at a construction site. Piri is questioned about his high school completion and tries to explain his extenuating circumstances. He had quit after his second year to work in concern of supporting his family. (Thomas 100-102) Piri sees the importance of education, as he attempts to include that he will attend “study nights”, however without the interview becomes speculative and further weakens his impression. Piri, like other Latinos, leave school to join the labor force prior to high school completion. And like him most understand the need of an education. About 89% of Latinos said a college education is important for success in life, however only about half or 48% actually plan on getting a college degree. (Lopez) The importance of education is understood, but a lack in funds can quickly push Latino students out of the education system. This often the case for migrant Latinos. Most migrate to or within the US in search of jobs to acquire funds for a stable living, but education cannot be achieved if a sustainable household income isn’t …show more content…
In Under the Feet of Jesus, Estrella struggles with fear of legality, considering the consequences if the border patrol knew of their legal status. Estrella and her family are migrant farm workers on the western part of the country. Petra, Estrella’s mother, notices Estrella’s worry and assures her that their birth certificates are “Under the Feet of Jesus” (Viramontes 68-73) Later within the book, Estrella considers the power in literacy after comparing letters to tools, realizing the functional capabilities of acquiring knowledge. Like Piri, Estrella too identifies the importance in education by learning to read and write, still for her not only is the availability of funds a hindrance, but legalization. The policies of immigration legislation make education seem unattainable for undocumented migrants. Moreover, the issues surrounding unauthorized migrants use of state resources seeking education are perceived as even more exhaustive and hindering. This causes a push, making the direction of cheap labor more appealing. Most of these barriers are implications of the US educational structure and present the ways in which Latinos can’t attain the education that they want or need due to the restrictions imposed by the country in their greater pursuit of
Down These Mean Streets by Piri Thomas describes this issue in an account of a job interview at a construction site. Piri is questioned about his high school completion and tries to explain his extenuating circumstances. He had quit after his second year to work in concern of supporting his family. (Thomas 100-102) Piri sees the importance of education, as he attempts to include that he will attend “study nights”, however without the interview becomes speculative and further weakens his impression. Piri, like other Latinos, leave school to join the labor force prior to high school completion. And like him most understand the need of an education. About 89% of Latinos said a college education is important for success in life, however only about half or 48% actually plan on getting a college degree. (Lopez) The importance of education is understood, but a lack in funds can quickly push Latino students out of the education system. This often the case for migrant Latinos. Most migrate to or within the US in search of jobs to acquire funds for a stable living, but education cannot be achieved if a sustainable household income isn’t …show more content…
In Under the Feet of Jesus, Estrella struggles with fear of legality, considering the consequences if the border patrol knew of their legal status. Estrella and her family are migrant farm workers on the western part of the country. Petra, Estrella’s mother, notices Estrella’s worry and assures her that their birth certificates are “Under the Feet of Jesus” (Viramontes 68-73) Later within the book, Estrella considers the power in literacy after comparing letters to tools, realizing the functional capabilities of acquiring knowledge. Like Piri, Estrella too identifies the importance in education by learning to read and write, still for her not only is the availability of funds a hindrance, but legalization. The policies of immigration legislation make education seem unattainable for undocumented migrants. Moreover, the issues surrounding unauthorized migrants use of state resources seeking education are perceived as even more exhaustive and hindering. This causes a push, making the direction of cheap labor more appealing. Most of these barriers are implications of the US educational structure and present the ways in which Latinos can’t attain the education that they want or need due to the restrictions imposed by the country in their greater pursuit of