Here’s an interesting take Alberto M. Carvalho at the Miami Herald
Don’t punish young immigrants for their parents’ choices
Americans remain divided about immigration, yet one belief continues to hold significant bipartisan support: Children should not be pawns in our larger political battles.
On this matter of fairness, Congress should pay attention to Florida. As politically divided as any state, Florida lawmakers found common ground to offer equal opportunities to the children of undocumented immigrants who find themselves in this country through no fault of their own.
A child who attends our high schools for at least three years and graduates here is allowed to pursue higher education at in-state tuition rates.
Why should we penalize students who succeed in our schools, follow our rules, and exemplify American values?
Well, for one, they are unlawfully present in the United States. For another, they are using the resources that should be going to American citizens. And, another, because they are Demanding!!!!! that we give them education, money, clothes, healthcare, and citizenship, while many are insulting American citizens, our nation, our flag, and some even demand the return of the American southwest to Mexico.
Regardless of political party, and regardless of how we resolve issues related to undocumented adults, we should value the achievements of youth who attain a U.S. high school education, show strong moral character, and go on to college or serve in the military.
Now, perhaps we can have a debate over allowing the children of illegals, who were brought by their parents, to have some sort of legal status, up to citizenship. They would have to pay fines, and the same fees that those who do it the lawful way pay. That would seem fair, would it not?
The problem here is exactly what is glossed over: what to do with the parents? The illegal aliens supporters admit that the parents have done wrong, that they’re at fault. In essence, criminals. And this is where the debate breaks down, because those of us who are against illegal immigration know that the minute we say “OK, let’s do something for the kids”, we’ll then have the goalposts moved to “well, if we’re going to let the kids have legal status, then the parents need to get it, too” by the pro-illegal forces. And then they’ll want the relatives to be able to come. And then to legalize all the others, because, hey, it’s not fair that the kids of illegals were given legal status, all the others who came without their kids should get amnesty, too. We know how this will work.
It would also invite more to come across the border illegally, thinking that if they bring their kids, they will all get amnesty, because no one will do anything to slam the door shut post-amnesty. We already saw this occur when illegals were given amnesty under Reagan. He though this would be a one time thing. Obviously, the problem became worse.
I actually know some who were given amnesty under Reagan, and have met others. This isn’t personal, though, it is about rule of law. Would the pro-illegal forces agree to allowing the Dreamers legal resident status, with the chance to earn citizenship, while not giving their parents legal status, along with implementing tough measures to shut down unlawful immigration? If not, there’s no purpose in even debating it.
