“I want to be a radiologist.”
“I want to be a computer scientist.”
“I want to be a neurosurgeon.”
“I dream of owning my own business.”
“I will be able to get a better paying job to help my family.”
These are just a few of the sentiments I heard from young Latino undocumented residents in response to President Obama’s Executive Order that provides a reprieve to deportation, albeit a temporary one.
Starting this week undocumented young Latinos under the age of 30 who meet certain criteria can apply to legally stay in the United States. While falling short of the goals of the Obama Administration’s DREAM Act, it is a step that affords hope to children who were brought to this country “illegally” by their parents. Many of them only know the United States as home. An estimated 1.76 million people may be eligible under Obama’s plan, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Those accepted into the program can obtain work permits, driver’s licenses and enroll in college.
While I understand that immigration reform is a complex and controversial topic, I am heartened by this Order that acknowledges that there is no one right answer and many undocumented youth are caught in the crossfire.
- And don’t we need more neurosurgeons, computer scientists and workers to fill the many jobs that go unfilled (despite the reports of high unemployment)?
- Isn’t it better to allow these young people the opportunity to “come out”, become productive citizens and achieve their full potential(even if by some turn of events it is only temporarily)?
- Is it right to punish these young people because of choices of their parents? Many are just learning that they are “illegal” as they come of age because their parents were too embarrassed to tell them.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not advocating for breaking laws, I am simply saying that sometimes there are extenuating circumstances where current legislation is unjust. This is one of those situations.
If we are ever going to really be a country of inclusion, we have to shine a light on the real impact of our laws and actions on innocent people who just like all Americans want the freedom to follow their dreams. We must continue to fulfill the promise represented by The Statue of Liberty…the symbol of freedom and hope for the world… “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free….”
