Consistent with the Perez et. al piece from March 25, Diverse Issues in Higher Education takes a look at the challenges that exist with being an undocumented student, working toward a post-secondary degree in America. After the Dream Act failed to pass Congress, President Obama started the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program through Homeland Security. The Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals program provides work permits to students under the ago of 31 that can prove that they have been in the U.S since 16 years of age. Applicants to this program have to either be enrolled in school, have graduated, earned a G.E.D. or have served in the military(Homeland Security).
The article, Many States Fight Immigration Overhaul for Youth sheds light on the states that have made it difficult for young people who through this program, have an opportunity to pursue post-secondary education. Some states welcomed students who have taken advantage of this opportunity, offering in-state tuition. However, other states have made it difficult by enacting policies that disenfranchise immigrant students and make it difficult to reach the necessary milestones and requirements to attain a post-secondary degree.. Here are a few examples of what states such as Florida and Michigan have done to make access to post-secondary education extremely difficult and next to impossible for immigrant students:
1. No financial aid at all, charged full out --of --state tuition even if you live in-state
2. No drivers licence
3. In some states, an immigrant student is considered lawful for community colleges, but not state institutions
Given our conversation about access to higher education for immigrant Latino students in class, how do you believe this new policy though well meaning, places immigrant students in a position that may not be as advantageous as once thought?
Also think about the Anderson piece (Feb 4 class) on the impact of Brown vs. Board as you consider your response.
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