Make the Dream Reality

[Susie]

Make the Dream Reality
The Los Angeles Times, October 10, 2007
. . .
We understand the objections that arise when a society extends benefits to illegal immigrants that once were reserved solely for legal residents. The easier life becomes for those who crossed our borders illegally, the more incentive there is for others to follow. And some question the prudence of providing scholarships for students who will not be able to work legally in this country, no matter how skilled or well educated.

But the benefits for the greater good outweigh these objections. Cedillo's bill doesn't jeopardize college for anyone -- it simply expands the universe of students we are willing to help. These particular students generally had no choice but to emigrate with their parents, and they have persevered and performed well in school. Aren't these the immigrants we most want to encourage and support? That their opportunities for higher education remain limited is just one of the many sad outcomes of immigration reform's demise in Congress.
. . .
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-ed-dream10oct10,1,5667437.story?ctrack=5&cset=true

[Susie]

This is exactly what I have been saying about E 2 children

Copied from article above

These particular students generally had no choice but to emigrate with their parents,


So I will contact the LA Times to advise them of our children's plight ! anyone else willing to as well?

[Nina]

I will be adding my two cents, Susie. :fit:

Nina

[kirtida8]

as will I.

[Nina]

Here's the letter I sent to the LA Times

'Make the Dream a Reality' (10.10.07) explained why the children of illegal immigrants, who had no choice in the decision to come to America, should have the opportunity to attend college, receive financial aid and apply for permanent residence. The author urges Governor Schwarzenegger to sign the bill because California needs the valuable resource that these children will become. What the bill, in effect, is saying, is let's keep the best and the brightest to fill the vacancies that we know will exist, instead of creating an underclass of unskilled adults. Who can present a rational argument to that?

I would like to point out though, that a small army of intelligent, educated young people who love America and long for a future here will be discriminated against if this bill becomes law. They are the children of E2 and L1 visa holders, and their lives are being destroyed because they have no status once they reach the age of 21. The parents of these children come to America legally, invest heavily, employ U.S. citizens, pay taxes and support their local communities. The children had no choice about coming here, just like the children of illegal immigrants. If the Dream Act is to become a reality, then let's make it a reality for all the children for whom America has become home. Under current legislation, E2 and L1 children cannot be issued with social security numbers, so they cannot work like their peers. They must return to their country of origin at 21, even though many have lived here since they were babies and cannot even remember 'the old country'. This is certainly a cruel and unusual punishment for young people who have broken no laws, and whose families have paid for the privilege of living in the United States.

Senator Gil Cedillo, I beg of you, please amend the Dream Act to include the forgotten children of E2 and L1 investors.

[Kriz1]

Nina can I post that on my blog too...

[Nina]

You can post it anywhere you like, Sweetie, I just want the word to get out so people know the truth.

Nina

[DEE F]

Good post Nina thank you,hope your letter gets answered.

Dee xx

[kirtida8]

Excellent letter Nina. I will try and get mine of this afternoon as I am busy this morning.

[Kriz1]

Thank you....:)
I'll send you a link if you like...

[Susie]

Nice one Nina, thank you.

Only one point, if you/others could mention you belong to Expatsvoice and get a word in with web link www.expatsvoice.org in future letters and e-mails, them more members will join and hopefully join our team :)

I have been so busy today I did not get a chance but will try tomorrow, if others could copy and past their letters here I feel it would help give ideas of wording to others who do not quite feel confident in writing letters, I am one of those people so get a bit nervous when doing so. I am getting better at writing but English was never my best subject.