Why Take Away a DREAM?

There have been several bills and laws that have tried to stop the DREAM act, and the Texas Tribune made sure to cover it.  A couple of the most obvious reasons I’ve heard since this act took process are; “we’re using money for the undocumented”, “a free education is given and not taken advantage of” and the old “it has seemed unfair to U.S. citizens” (mostly students).  

I agree with Texas: All or Nothing when it comes to the idea that we should not be messing with someone’s education.  We’re not just hurting that person, we’re hurting the whole state, the whole world for stopping the knowledge intake of someone who could have made a change.  

The debate regarding the Texas Dream Act did bring up a good point.  Many of these students who used the act from 2001-2006 were not considered undocumented immigrants, giving Senators something to talk about.  I would not expect them to have something nice to say about this because it has been true in several cases that the DREAM Act has been used for something else, rather than getting an education.  Being a Dreamer myself I do understand why these comments and questions are coming up and messing with the only opportunity of education we have, but if we don’t question certain cases, how are we going to know if this is actually benefiting us? Also, the act has not been seen as fair for the other half of the students, but that is because the majority of these Dreamers come from families that are characterized as minorities.  These are student who come from tough worlds and seek to be the first ones to go to a University from their family.  Some financial bends and twists have to be made for them just like how certain laws benefit only groups with financial problems.  So why stop giving a student the education they need? It seems only fair to help everyone.

Permission to Work

We have seen many students work through their classes without worrying about their financial status.  To be more specific, many of these students have been given the right to work for being US citizens, but what about those who are not?  Here is where things get a little more complicated.  The same student that attends class every day, does their work and pushed a little more than others has been categorized as an undocumented student but for a while now.  The DACA program has opened up a door for these student to be allowed to work just like many of their peers.  After the bill was passed, there came a rule that stated that DACA students would need to reapply for their working permit.  

Many Texan students have struggled with financial problems and to make them redo all their paperwork and pay around $600 for everything seems like we are pushing them away from something that could make their lives a little easier.  Students from UT or community colleges now need to be careful for future deportation if they fail to get approved again after 2 years for a working permit.  Instead of putting these students on the hot spot or even taking them away from their studies, Texas should allow their students to have a permanent working permit to save them  money and stress.  It would seem only fair to grant this option only to fully committed student, and to have them checked by administration.  Texas should support them in every way and help them all equally when it comes to education and financial stability.  Like the No Child Left Behind Act, we should not leave behind student who can’t afford to pay school because of a working permit.  If they want to learn then grant them the right to work a lifetime without excuses.