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In my last blog I discussed how in-state tuition for children of undocumented immigrants relates to the DREAM Act. The reason an in-state tuition provision is necessary is because of the “Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act” of 1996.
In my last column I outlined the basic features of the “Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors” (DREAM) Act that is coming up for a vote in the U.S. Senate. One aspect of this bill which deserves a more thorough explanation is whether in-state tuition should be provided to children of undocumented aliens. But first, some background.
On October 25, 2007 the DREAM Act was defeated by a vote of 52 to 44. (Yes, the loss was another case where the majority of our elected representatives do not rule.) As you may recall, the “Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors” Act would have allowed minors without legal immigrant status a chance at legal residency if they serve in the military for two years or graduate from school.
Like many things, including firearms, alcohol, and deficit spending, Americans have a love-hate relationship with immigration as well. Since nearly all Americans are descendants of immigrants, it is, at least to me, beyond hypocritical to be completely anti-immigration, because to do so would be akin to denying our very heritage.
This week we’ve been treated to the sad spectacle of Republican leaders fearful of and unwilling to criticize a well known conservative radio talk show host with a big microphone. For those of you who may be new to America, or like me, quit listening to radio, especially AM radio, here is some background.
Last night during my gym workout I was forced to endure yet another one-sided interview by Fox “News” Bill O’Reilly. This time he questioned a Dawn Perlmutter, PhD, director of the “Institute for the Research of Organized and Ritual Violence”, and a so-called expert on Satanic subcultures. The topic was ritualistic honor beheadings committed by some members of the Islamic community. The apparent conclusion was that the majority of moderate Muslims fail to condemn these relatively isolated, indefensible, inhuman acts.
Over the course of the presidential primary campaign, I spent significantly more time tuned-in to prime time cable news shows than usual. When I finally came up for air after Senator Barack Obama clinched the Democratic Party nomination, I was left troubled by the level of bias and spin, not only in election coverage, but also in environment reporting, the war in Iraq, and especially immigration.
Many have expressed disappointment over the defeat of the Dream (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors) Act on October 25 by a vote of 52 to 44 -- 6 votes short to proceed to debate on the Senate floor. This bill would have allowed minors without legal immigrant status a chance at legal residency if they serve in the military for two years or graduate from school. There were many reasonable requirements in the bill: proof the applicant arrived in the United States prior to the age of 16, residency for at least 5 years, age between 12 and 30 at the time the bill is enacted, graduation from high school (or received a GED), and have no criminal record.
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