Persuasive Immigration Essay

Approximately 200,000 to 225,000 undocumented immigrants enroll in American institutions of higher education and represent 2 percent of all students in college (Suarez-Orozco, Katsiaficas, Birchall, Alcantar, & Hernandez, 2015). Undocumented students have low rates of enrollment to programs of higher education in comparison to documented students. When undocumented students begin college, they go through struggles to adapt and assimilate to college life. As a result of feeling disconnected to the campus they attend, undocumented students may look for different options for support, such as clubs and centers offered for students. In recent years, there have been legal changes set in place to support the success of undocumented students enrolled in higher education, which include in state tuition, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. These changes have given undocumented students more choices and access to

In “Undocumented students’ Access to College: The American Dream Denied,” Chavez, Soriano and Olivia (2007) have stated that millions of students who live in United States are undocumented immigrants; most of them come to U.S at a very young age. They completed their high school and achieved great academic success, some of them even got admitted by well know universities. From 2002 onwards , Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) , authorized by the late Marco Antonio Firebaugh , allows any student who has completed three years high school, and received a high school diploma or equivalent in California, regardless of their immigration status, are legally allowed to attend colleges and universities (Chavez,Soriano and Oliverez 256).Even though they are eligible to apply and be admitted to universities, but they are not eligible to apply for federal financial aid, without the help of financial aid, it is extremely difficult for them to afford tuition. In this case, it severely limits undocumented student’s chances for upward mobility.

Every year thousands of undocumented students graduate from high school with uncertainty about a post-secondary education. Many of these students do not have the financial means, and are often too scared about their legal status to continue their education. This issue is extremely prevalent in the state of California, hosting 2.6 million “alien residents”, it has the largest population of undocumented immigrants (Gonzales, 2006). Immigration policies have been controversial topics in the United States for a long time. Although there is still an ongoing debate about reforming the current immigration laws, there has been progress in making post-secondary education a possibility for undocumented students. This paper will focus

Being an undocumented college student can be very difficult, there are many economical and emotional barriers. College tuition doubles when you are undocumented and must be a resident of the state you’d like to attend school in. Some schools require you to be US born in other to attend the school. Fortunately, Deferred Action for Childhood

If you were to ask the seniors in my class what their plans are after high school, a majority of them will tell you college. Some will attend UCs, others CSUs, and some will attend community college.Some attend community college because their legal status hinders them to attend a four year university right away, but at community colleges that is not the case. As an AB540 student living in California, going to college is already an obstacle that has had some relief, California allows undocumented students to receive state aid and loans, one form of this type of aid is the BOG fee waiver, making students in financial need to have a tuition free community college experience. Most states already

Undocumented students have a harder time trying to pursue a higher education; this is due to the fact that they cannot receive federal aid. College is like a safe haven for these undocumented students. Higher education gives undocumented students the opportunity to better themselves as individuals. Higher education also allows undocumented students to pursue a better life for themselves and for their family. Every year over 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school in the United States (Gray). Experts estimate that fewer than 6,500 of those undocumented students actually go on to attend college (Sheehy). One reason for why the amount is so low is because college is expensive for these undocumented students. Undocumented students are unable to achieve any of these goals, that is, unless they receive federal aid. It is sad to see undocumented students give up on their dream to attend college and get a higher education.

An educational reform in higher education would eliminate the many educational and occupational barriers undocumented students face today. By permitting access to undocumented students into postsecondary education and earn a degree would eliminate poverty and unemployment levels in the country. It is essential to give as many young people undocumented or not the opportunity to enroll and succeed in postsecondary education to strengthen the economy of the United States. The younger generations are the future of this country and undocumented students are not the exception. These young students also play an important part in society today and if given the opportunity to earn a professional degree will most definitely impact American society in the years to come.

Today there are twenty states that offer in-state tuition for unauthorized illegal immigrants. The path to becoming such states has been a difficult one; furthermore, only sixteen of these states have achieved in-state tuition for illegal immigrants by taking legislative action. The other four states allowed the universities autonomy developing their own system and guidelines (Undocumented, 2014). Arguments from opposing side generate authoritative statements. The opposing voices argue in-state tuition is only a magnet for illegal immigrants and unfair for American students from other states to pay higher tuition than illegal aliens. Supporters claim in-state tuition opens a door to a more educated society and ultimately states should protect the investment already made since childhood. In my opinion immigrants should be offered opportunities, but not at the expense of others.

When someone hears the word immigrant most first think they are either poor, dirty, and illegal. What most people don’t look past the appearance they see walking past them. They don’t see the blood, sweat, or the long days and nights it took for that ‘immigrant’ to get where they are now. Also, most immigrants who travel to America travel here to give their children better lives. Therefore, those long days and nights will be worth it in the end when they can see their child walk across a stage and collect a diploma. However, undocumented children still are facing obstacles with not being allowed to attend community or state colleges, or receive in-state tuition, and most cannot receive financial aid.

Many of the undocumented students were brought to the United States at a very young age, not by their choice but of their parents. With great potential and willingness to succeed, many do not have the same opportunities as those of their peers. Millions of students have filed their deferred act in hope of getting an opportunity

Many felt like their door is closed because of being undocumented, and some abandon their American dream and gave up hope (Shelepov, n.d.). To challenge the constitutionality of this law and provide equal opportunities for all students, several states decided to establish their own immigration legislation to allowed undocumented students’ access to in-state tuition rates and eligible for certain scholarships or state financial aid. For instance, California, Illinois, Kansa, Maryland, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin help undocumented students afford to attend college by paying the same college tuition as other residents (The DREAM Act, 2010). The state of California created their own DREAM Act that allowed undocumented students to received reduced in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. They can also receive in-state financial support such as Cal Grant A, B, or C only if undocumented students apply, meet certain requirements and submit an application (DREAM ACT (n.d.). The state of California also provide extending loans if undocumented students have financial need. The dream is coming true for many undocumented students as some states have already made it possible for them to pursue their college

It will be the beginning of a new life of individuality, freedom and chances. Higher Education usually is a priority in America because you earn a degree to have a professional job and be successful. Just as we've seen our family and friends do. In 2015 "20.2 million students were expected to attend American colleges and universities constituting an increase of about 4.9 million since fall 2000." (nces.2015) Although there is many scholarships, grants, loans, and financial aid available to an American citizen pursuing a goal. There is a barrier for immigrants who seek higher education. Despite the soaring cost to attend college; undocumented students in all states are prohibited from accessing all forms of federal education benefits. Many are denied in-state tuition rates and have to pay higher rates to attend the public college in their home state.(CenterofAmericanProgress) The pressure and lack of prospect of not attending college leads to undocumented students dropping out of high school. Since many need to help support their families they seek full time jobs

Intervention Description: Undocumented students may have this idea that they cannot apply or legally attend college due to their immigration status. However, there is now a federal law that says that undocumented immigrant students cannot apply to college. Therefore, the purpose of this intervention of College and Career Readiness for undocumented students is to increase the number of undocumented immigrants applying to college. Students will gain the information and skills that are necessary for college and careers. Federal or state laws do not require students to

Many around us scream that we don’t belong here nor are we wanted. I am here to tell you otherwise. We do belong and we are here to prosper. Earning a college degree is only one of the many ways undocumented families are successful in this country. A college education should not and will not continue to be an opportunity for a selective few. It is an opportunity that belongs to everyone, regardless of their legal status. It is up to all of us to open doors and build bridges that will allow more undocumented families to hold a college degree

As time passed on, majority of undocumented student graduate high school and head to the next level of their studies. But the majority of these college students fear is applying there choice of college. The majority of the colleges in the United States does not accept undocumented student hopes of continuing education. This initially leads students to give up pursuing their education to work at places that do not require a degree. Although some student are given the chance to study at their college, most of them can not afford to pay the classes. Nothing is free for the students unless they are documented in the United States. But something acquired throughout the years that the student had an opportunity to continue their studies. The