Should we provide public education to undocumented immigrants? Would this hurt students who are here legally? Would it deplete school resources? Do the rights of these children outweigh these issues? Today, I would like to discuss this controversial issue by looking at both side of the problem and considering which decision will be best for our schools and our children. As you all may know, there is evidence supporting both sides. Ultimately, we must decide if the pros outweigh the cons or vice versa in relation to our community and our kids. I would like to begin with the reasons why a zero tolerance policy might be adopted by our school. Chief Justice Warren Burger argued that we do not provide food stamps, Medicare insurance, or other government benefits to illegal immigrants. Therefore, why should we provide educational benefits? He also believes that education is not a fundamental right or a benefit that everyone deserves. He argues that while this decision may not be pleasing to everyone, it is constitutional. Another valid argument from those who oppose the education of undocumented immigrants is that is places a financial burden on the public school system. According to Genevieve Wood (2014), over 50,000 children without documentation came into our country this year alone. And, according to Moore (2014), this number is increasing rapidly. He estimates that by September of this year, the number of children entering the U.S. illegally will increase to approximately 90,000. When the United States spends an estimated $12,000 per student per year, the cost adds up quickly! Add to that the fact that in 2009, $440 million of taxes were spent on English language classes (Wood). While some legal citizen attended these classes, many were here illegally. The strain this places on the finances of public schools is obvious. Now, I want to speak to the idea that we might allow these children to enter our schools.
…show more content…
I would like you to think back to a decision that was made over 60 years ago in Brown versus the Board of Education. When this decision was made, the courts knew the importance of education. Brown v. Board (1954) state it better than I ever could: “In these days, it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education… [Education] is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms.” If these words were true 60 years ago, imagine how much more apt they are today. Can anyone deny that an education is essential in order to succeed? Without it, these children will not be able to make contributions to society. Although some opposed to undocumented children receiving an education state that it depletes state funds, evidence indicates that undocumented immigrants “underutilize public services, while contributing their labor to the local economy and tax money to the state fisc [treasury]” (Brennan, 180). These immigrants, numbering in the millions, provide a source of inexpensive labor, even though they do not receive the benefits of U.S. citizens. These jobs are not ones that many Americans want to fill. A series of studies found that illegal immigrants pay somewhere between 90 and 140 billion dollars worth of taxes each year (Anchondo, 2010). Ultimately, immigrants seem to be keeping our economy stable while taking very little in return. Additionally, children who receive an education will most likely find better jobs and pay more taxes because they are educated. By providing an education now, the United States will be more financially stable in the future as well. Finally, I would like to contemplate if we should punish children for the actions of their parents. Take Eddy Ramírez’s story of Jacqueline for example. She is currently 20 years old and is attending college to become a teacher for English as a second language. She has lived in North Carolina since she was 8 years old. And, lastly, she is an undocumented student. Is it right to punish her for the actions of her parents? Is it her fault that they can here illegally when she was merely 8 years old? Should she be kicked out of college, even though she could improve our schools? While I respect both sides of this debate, as an educator, I ultimately must side with allowing undocumented immigrants to be part of the United
I would like you to think back to a decision that was made over 60 years ago in Brown versus the Board of Education. When this decision was made, the courts knew the importance of education. Brown v. Board (1954) state it better than I ever could: “In these days, it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education… [Education] is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms.” If these words were true 60 years ago, imagine how much more apt they are today. Can anyone deny that an education is essential in order to succeed? Without it, these children will not be able to make contributions to society. Although some opposed to undocumented children receiving an education state that it depletes state funds, evidence indicates that undocumented immigrants “underutilize public services, while contributing their labor to the local economy and tax money to the state fisc [treasury]” (Brennan, 180). These immigrants, numbering in the millions, provide a source of inexpensive labor, even though they do not receive the benefits of U.S. citizens. These jobs are not ones that many Americans want to fill. A series of studies found that illegal immigrants pay somewhere between 90 and 140 billion dollars worth of taxes each year (Anchondo, 2010). Ultimately, immigrants seem to be keeping our economy stable while taking very little in return. Additionally, children who receive an education will most likely find better jobs and pay more taxes because they are educated. By providing an education now, the United States will be more financially stable in the future as well. Finally, I would like to contemplate if we should punish children for the actions of their parents. Take Eddy Ramírez’s story of Jacqueline for example. She is currently 20 years old and is attending college to become a teacher for English as a second language. She has lived in North Carolina since she was 8 years old. And, lastly, she is an undocumented student. Is it right to punish her for the actions of her parents? Is it her fault that they can here illegally when she was merely 8 years old? Should she be kicked out of college, even though she could improve our schools? While I respect both sides of this debate, as an educator, I ultimately must side with allowing undocumented immigrants to be part of the United