President Obama bypassed congressed and implemented a new immigration policy that would halt deportation of illegal immigrant children. Individuals under the age of 30 and who arrive to the U.S. before the age of 16 would be eligible for such immunity, granted that they fall within eligibility requirements, which mirror the requirements of The DREAM Act.
Many believe that by bypassing congress, the President has shown disregard for the way our government works that the President is looking to grant automatic amnesty. I believe that the President is giving a generation of children the right to live their dreams which is the foundation that America is built on.
The 1.5 generation. A silent generation, a hidden generation, the generation that speaks English fluently and embrace every aspect of the culture, saluting the flag, celebrating the 4th of July, playing with other American children and they identifying themselves as American. Sadly, it isn’t until between the ages of 16 to 18 is when these children ultimately learn the truth, when they want to learn to drive and they graduate high school, do they learn that their dreams are no longer achievable because of their illegal status. The 1.5 generation was brought to the U.S. illegally at a very young age with no voice, no choice and a decision that was made for them, yet as a nation they are punished for something they did not ask for.
It is important for society to understand that this new immigration policy and The DREAM Act, will not automatically grant amnesty to every child. Only about 50,000 children across the nation will actually be eligible based on the requirements set in place. While many may see the policy as a short-term remedy for illegal immigration, it is a start, as it will provide the 1.5 generation the opportunity to follow a strict, structured pathway towards legal status all while bettering American society as a whole. Children will have the opportunity to attend higher education or serve our country by joining the military, which in turn will better our country as a whole, rather than an increase in high school dropout rates which lead to an increase in criminal activity. While many are outraged by the short-term solution, the fact of the matter is how will we ever know if a long-term solution is even possible without giving this a try first?
As a nation, we are quick to stand up and defend the children who face struggles in their everyday lives, with the expectation of the 1.5. Are we going to stand up and fight for these children the way we do for other oppressed children across the nation, across the world who endure difficulties or are we going to turn the other cheek and let these children fall behind like so many others have. It’s time for these children to believe and follow their hopes and dreams, in the only way they know how, in the only place they truly know as home, America.
