Ellis Island: Deport Illegal Immigrants

In the late 1800’s and early tenth century, Ellis Island was a hotspot of immigrants coming from all parts of Europe and Asia, seeking freedom and opportunity in the new world. The bustling sound of foreign languages was everywhere. People were processed, names where changed and finally they were declared Americans. Stepping nearly a century later, the story is much different. The immigrants of today, are a cause of major political stir, racism and controversy throughout the country. They also no longer come in large ships from across the Ocean. They tread through harsh terrain, are smuggled and even try to cross by small makeshift rafts. They do all this for the dream of being successful and starting new lives in the “Land of Opportunity”, …show more content…
Obama on a last effort to elevate the issue, issued an executive order to help pass the act. His Executive order did not make every person with an “illegal” status citizenship but it “declared that the U.S government would no longer deport illegal immigrants who arrived in the United states before they turned sixteen, who were younger than thirty; who have been in the country for at least five years; who are in school, high school graduates, or military veterans; and who have clean criminal records” (DREAM Act). Unfortunately the DREAM Act has had major opposition and criticism. The main arguments stems from the fact that people believe that with the type of immigration issues that are being discussed about now will give incentive for more illegal immigrants to try to cross the borders. They also have said that this bill would not do anything for such things as border security workplace enforcement, and visa overstays. On top of this the tea party has had backlash on this bill because they believe that it “rewarded or encouraged illegal immigration” (DREAM …show more content…
Recognize the United States as their home and do not associate much with their original country. Most often these students do not know of their status until they try to get a license or apply to a college. This puts an inability for the undocumented students even though they might be hard working, intelligent and involved in extracurricular activities. Currently “under the immigration law undocumented students’ academic accomplishments and lengths of residency in the do not justify their violation of immigration law and cannot be cited as mitigating factors during deportation proceedings” (Kim Pg. 56). Also due to their illegal status, students who want to attend college, simply cannot afford the high cost, because of their inability to apply for and federal or state financial aid. Undocumented students who want to pursue a college degree under the DREAM Act must meet certain requirements such as “Entered the country before the age of 16…, must have been admitted to a two year-or four-year institution of high education or earned a high school diploma or general education development in the United States, and have not criminal background and demonstrate good moral standing” (Palacios Pg.2). If undocumented students meet these standards and with the help of the DREAM Act students can apply to become Legal residents. This will also help them get a