What the California Dream Act Means to Immigrant Children

The Plain Reality

There are three groups making money off immigrants, legal and illegal.

Slave traders....bring them here and make money bringing them and money from thier future keepers. includes exploitation of women.

Slave Masters..... off the table contractors and companies who provide no benefits, threaten workers, exploit and benefit their fat pocketbooks. Never give you a price break but risk injury and damage to your property and the immigrants...no insurances of any kind.

Slave enablers....banks, food companies, markets, schools, colleges, media, welfare workers, clergy, medical workers, state and local government who provide goods and services from government and private funding as a BUSINESS....

Look around you...one of your neighbors or coworkers is a slave trader, slave master or slave enabler.....makes you want to take a shower!

I'm 17 years old, and I've been in this country for 16 years. Because of my parents decision to bring me here (illegally) when I was 1 year old, I dont qualify for any financial. Sure I qualify for in-state tuition, but even that is close to $15,000. And I cant even work to afford it. I rank in the top ten in my class. I've been accepted to 2 Universities and 3 Colleges. I wont let anything stop me, from accomplishing my dream of being an Engineer, but I'm going to drown with loans unless, I receive some help. Hopefully there would be something done so that students like me, wont have to deal with the problems that our parents made. It's not my fault, all my life i've consider myself American, but even though I am not American in paper. I am American at heart.

I'm 19 years old, and my parents brought me to the U.S. when I was 2 years old. I face the same obstacle that countless other undocumented students face ...unable to pay a university tuition and forced to attend community college, although I graduated from high school with high honors two years ago. The important thing is that we do not abandon school, no matter how discouraging this situation is, and, instead of cutting classes, the best way to show that we belong here is to be at the top of our class and set an example for others in similar strife who are ready to throw in the towel.
And to those who say that we are people who have broken the law, I say this- we were simply drawn into an environment that we had no control over. We, the children and adults who came as children, are not criminals. All we ask is that we be allowed to graduate from high school, pursue higher education, and contribute our share of knowledge, which is more than many people give us credit for.

I understand everyone's troubles, as a 19 year old I feel very very lost in this world sometimes, unable to drive work or even pay the normal in-state tuition. Since I was homeschooled most of my life, I know it is difficult even impossible for some of us to deal with these issues. Hopefully I ask anyone that reads these comments, that knows ways that knows how I can benefit from any knowledge people would care to share. My e-mail is AllenAames@gmail.com, please contact me if you know something that I might not know, I plan to open a website soon for undocumented people. please contact me if you wish to help in any way.

Immigrants to our Country should be considered as citizen wether they are illegal or not...it is a free country isn't it?...aat we are told...what makes them so different than an American Citizen...this is the land of opportunity and we are crushing thier opportunities!

Americans are not those that were born in this country, but those that contribute day to day to make of this country a better place.

I am America, you are America.

"Do not ask what this country can do for you, but what you can do for your contry" John F. Kennedy

The term "illegal" is very realtive, yet a growing number of politicians, media personalities and even regular people tend to use it to refer to individuals who are here without any status and 'legal' documents. Well, I consider the annexation of Texas, the invasion of Mexico by the American Army and the purchase of California, New Mexico, etc... to be one big "illegal" act in the history of this big country we praise.

Correction: *relative*

I came to the United States when i was 16 years old. I have been here for 5 years, attended high school graduated with high honorns and i am now attending university. I applied to 4 UC's 2 Calstates and one private college i got accepted in all of them. But right now i am struggling becasue i won't have enough money to continue wiht my education. I believe that we deserve an opportunity as any other person in this country. What we want is to contribute to the betterment of this country.

Why are we not trying harder to help our current citizens? We seem to work real hard to help other countries and illegal aliens/undocumented individuals. I don't hear anyone trying to help them.

To "Illegals go home", all Americans are illegals. They took the land from the Indians, so you go home too!

How are my fellow people. I too have lived here all my llfe and consider myself American even if not in paper. And to those illegal bashers that only say that illegals should go home. Have you thought about how you would feel if you were put in the same position? Say you parents took you to another country and you grew up there. Yet you were unable to do certain things due to your status when you grew up. Its not easy. Next time you bashere open your damn mouths make sure intelligent vocal frequencies or thoughts are emitted. Dont make asses of yourselvse by saying the same shit everyone else says. Use your damn head.

Oh yea to those that say: "This law shouldnt pass because then American citizens will have to compete with illegals for financial aid, and scholarships" etc. etc. Last time I checked, thats what you had to do to get earn a acholarship. Thats why you apply and best candidates are chosen. Are you guys telling me that illegals are threat to American citizens? Smarter?

Im not saying im for illegals, that knew what they were goona be up to coming into this country. They have a home. Wherever they came from. So if they get deported, big deal, theyre back home. Thats not the case with us, THIS IS OUR HOME. Some morons fail to understand that. I feel sorry for those people. Well not really...

We are the criminals who want to suck the life out of the United States…the law-breakers who want to strip this country of its resources and contribute nothing.

This is what we are.

We are all drug-traffickers, rapists, house-cleaners, fruit-pickers, unintelligent primitive beings who do not speak a word of English.

Networks are quick to air a story on Mexican drug-lords but, when an undocumented student becomes Valedictorian, somehow that doesn’t make the news….GOD forbid we are shown in any light that is less than demeaning.

What about those who didn’t knowingly break the law? The young, innocent children who merely followed their parents into a situation they did not volunteer to be a part of? Is the struggle of these children not an appropriate comparison to the civil rights struggle? What is the difference between the African populations that were dragged into an unknown and undeserved environment and these children who have been forced to pay for their parents’ decisions?

What part of breaking the law did these children play? Anyone who has ever taken a law course knows that without the intent to commit a crime, there is no case. So ask yourselves-how much intent to break the law did these children of 2, 3, 5, 7 years old have? These must have been the youngest masterminds ever to walk the earth. I’m sure Einstein is turning green with envy.

The thought process of these kids who are outsmarting the country and trying to get "at the front of the line" is impeccable. Baby geniuses, these kids are! Guess it’s never too early to become a cunning criminal, even if you break the law before you speak your first word or take your first step.

THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD--We are being told that we do not belong here…that we are not wanted here. Where, then, do we belong? In our birth-countries that we were only familiar with for a small fraction of our lives? Our customs and roots are engrained in the culture of the United States, and we are not considered to be enough of a “native” of our homelands. Where does that leave us? This is the double-edged sword that the immigration debate is digging into our stomachs. If we are not worthy of being here nor there, what accounts for our existence? What place on this earth do we share?

*********************MOST IMPORTANTLY***************

In my 19 years of life, I have experienced little, but the most astonishing thing to have made itself known to me is this--

The injustice lies, mostly, in the inability to pass the DREAM ACT. Here is my reasoning--

In my four years of high school, I came across many ignorant fools with B-averages who, surprisingly enough, received acceptance letters from colleges and universities. These not-so bright students were, of course, citizens of the U.S.**

In my "group" were the undocumented students who received acceptance letters for placing highly in class-rankings but were unable to cope with the tuition costs.

Now, how is it that students with higher GPAs, proficient standardized test scores, and , overall, out-ranking cumulative grades get the short end of the stick, while a lethargic, B-average student is given aid to pursue a higher education that he or she, in reference to that student's high school career, might not take advantage of?

***********THE "ILLEGALS GO HOME" POST IS MY SOLE MOTIVATION FOR POSTING THIS MINI-NOVEL*************

I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE, AND I REFRAIN FROM JUDGING YOU ON A PERSONAL NOTE, BUT WHAT I HAVE TO SAY IS TESTAMENT TO THE INTELLIGENCE OF THESE UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS THAT YOU SO FERVENTLY WANT OUT--IT IS IRONIC THAT AN UNDOCUMENTED STUDENT SHOULD GIVE A GRAMMAR LESSON TO A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES, BUT, SEENG AS HOW THIS WORLD IS A SEA OF IRONY, THE SENTENCE IS NOT "WE SEEM TO WORK REAL HARD..."

IT IS AN ADVERB AND IS, HENCE, 'REALLY', NOT THE ADJECTIVE 'REAL'....your sentence should read, "WE SEEM TO WORK REALLY HARD..."

GO AHEAD AND WORK ON THAT...

hello my name is edgar 19 years old i really think the dream act should passed to a law , i mean there's a bunch of students that dont follow their dreams because they dont have enough money to pay their college i mean this is really sad our parents brought us without our opinions its not our fault , if i knew this was going to happend i wouldnt even think of coming here, but now i cant go back cause i've been living here almost all my life i wouldnt survive out there i feel part of thus country i dont imagine a life wothout USA i have my life here my friends my dreams , (but unfortunately i cant do nothing i dont leave a normal life like the others can drive i cant work i cant do nothign cause of the stupid papers ,,, the only thing i want the dream act for is so i could be able to complete my education...

hey my name is liz i think that illegal teenagers shouldnot get punished for the mistake thhat they did but i am proud they came here to give me a better life and they did but americans the y whant to push us out well if they do whos gonna bult their mcdonalds ro sonic so they can keep on getting fatter and fatter thats all americans are good for is eat eat eat eat everyday while illegals are sweating making them their foods yea right right when peopel say americans do work no they dont they only thing they know what to do is brag about how they work qhich they dont so every teenager need a chance

@ Joana: could not have said it better myself.

"All we ask is that we be allowed to graduate from high school, pursue higher education, and contribute our share of knowledge, which is more than many people give us credit for."

Most people take this for granted. Including my cousins which are all lazy bastards.

Sometimes I wonder if this is the way it was supposed to be, other times I wonder if im in the middle of an effing nightmare. Just remember that we are not alone were all in this, always think of the glass as half full not half empty.

Dont mean to sound all dramatic and shit but sometimes you gotta vent your thoughts somewhere know what I mean? Thanks for reading my rant let your opinions be known and oh, may the force be with you...

P.S. Stay in school go to community college most of us can afford that for now, something is better than nothing i always say. Although I wont stop until I get my B.S. in engineering from Cal Poly...

By the way guys this is a pretty informative site on the dream act

http://www.dreamact.info/forum/

Remember, do not underestimate the force.

thanks DREAM ACT MAN... appreciate the site link...

hey ALL...just a thought;

Black people are called African Americans because they are born here but have African ancestors, right?

A person who is born in the United States but has Hispanic parents (or ancestry) is a Hispanic American, right?

Even the Native Ameriucans did not escape this labeling....they are a sort of "American"-that of "Native" America, right?

If these minorities are born in the United States, they are still partially labeled according to where their ancestors were from, right?

With that logic as a guideline, shouldn't caucasian "Americans"- who consider themselves more "American" than anyone else and call themselves only "American"- start calling themselves European Americans?

it's only right...
That's what I'll do....
I will always attach a continent to the label "American" for all people...and the caucasian world won't have immunity...

p.s. Last night was very tough for me...and I know I'm probably not the only person who cries himself or herself to sleep at night....wondering where this ife is going...

I KNOW YOU GUYS HAVE THOSE NIGHTS TOO, BUT HANG IN THERE, AND HAVE FAITH...ALL WE CAN DO RIGHT NOW IS REST OUR FUTURES IN THE HANDS OF THE SENATE,THE HOUSE, AND THE PRESIDENT... HOPE THEY DON'T LET US, THE FUTURE LAWYERS, DOCTORS, NURSES, ARCHITECTS, AND TEACHERS DOWN...

BE HEARD
SPREAD THE WORD

NOT THE OUTCOME WE WANTED, BUT IT'S NOT OVER....IT'S NEVER OVER...NOT AS LONG AS WE HAVE A VOICE

cant tell you guys how goddam dissapointed I was with the outcome although I kinda knew it wouldnt pass but anyway...

What we need to do is encourage the senators to pass Dream by itself since many more senators and representatives (republican and democrats) which were against CIR support the dream act. It just needs to get passed alone!!!

P.S. to /\ Your not the only one who cries themselves to sleep. Well, more like I get so pissed off sometimes that I cant sleep :)

Peace

It's right we are not alone, I thought i was the only one in this situation. I've been in the U.S for 20 years now. I am not an American at birth but i grew up here, I do not know how life is in no other country. Like many of us I also graduated from HS with high honors but what was the point if we do not get any financial aid. But I haven't given up and not planning to any time soon. I keep attendin community college and will strive for my goal to go into the medical field. Lets all hope this DREAM ACT is passed.

Hello,

I am one of the Project Directors of IDEAS, a student group runned by AB540 students. I see that many of you can use some information. Fell welcome to write to us. IDEAS@ucla.edu

Ben

Hello,

I am one of the Project Directors of IDEAS, a student group runned by AB540 students. I see that many of you can use some information. Fell welcome to write to us. IDEAS@ucla.edu

Ben

I am an Immigrant. A legal Immigrant.
I encourage all of us to seek the right solution to a problem without being a burden to tax-paying and law-abiding citizens of this country that welcomed us with open arms.
My prayer is that this country continue to be a country of laws and just compassion.

I have been here for half of my life and eventhough i love my birth country with all my heart i love this one, too. I can't imagine my self living anywhere else because my future is here. This is my senior year and i am very excited at the same time i'm extremly scare because i don't know how i'm going to pay for college, but i am NOT going to let this stop me. My dream is to go to the University of Notre Dame and i'm going to make it some way or the other because there might be a door closed but GOD always opens a window and i am going to fit through that window. Now i know that i am not alone in this and WE are going to make a difference. I am going to pray every night so the DREAM ACT could pass. LOVE YA (wish all of you the best)

let me see if i understand this. An African american breaks the law he/she goes to jail. An immigrant breaks the law they get an edcuation. Your sob stories, do not comapare to lynchings, German shepards attacking black kids, beatings, and rapes. You do not know suffering. You have know idea?

An African American, descendant of slaves from West Africa, who was brought here by others, without a visa, breaks a law and goes to jail. To go to jail it was probably a felony. Why not be law-abiding? If you are a criminal, expect to be treated like a criminal. I would not put illegal immigrants into the same category of criminal as that. The kind of suffering you mention is mostly self-inflicted through living the low life. I would say that nearly all "illegals" are law-abiding. They have to be so as not to be deported. That African American can also get an education if he/she wanted to.

I feel your pain, but you are NOT Americans... The Bible states, "the sins of the fathers shall be cast upon the sons." You have no one but your family to blame for your problems. Yes, being a citizen has its values and I will not let you denounce it!! You are not American just becuase you live here. If you believe in breaking our laws for your own benefit, you can't claim to be an American.

This is total BS. Where do you think most young folks get thier money for an education? They work for it and go to school part-time. Quit with the "poor me" attitude. I for one do not feel my tax dollars should go to those that feel they love their "birth country", which is generally Mexico. I have an idea, go to your "birth country" and go to school there.

Well i just have a little to say to those who descent us. First of all the only reason my family came to the U.S was because, of the Imperialism this country creates. They go and offer this type of economy that is suppost to make the county grow, which it does but it also creates classes. Therefore making the rich more richer and the poor more poorer. This is why my parents came here to look for a better living just like your parents did. Which is still a struggle but better than before. My point is tha if my country would give better and quality education without the expenses of my livesavings I wouldn't be here. Second religion talk is a cheap talk is nothing but puppet talk. Just like bush hidding under a false image of Christianty. I don't blame my parents but THANK them for bringing me here. Even though you don't talk about a specific religion the Bible is the study book of religion. I personally don't think or belive i'am American. I have lived like a American and associate with Americans, but i will never label my self American. "The difference between what we do, and what we are capable of doing, would solve most of the world's problems."
-Mahatma, Ghandhi

You guys know what I really think should happen? I think military service should be mandatory. Are you listening? I'm talking to you... yes you. No less than two years of service should be mandatory to be a citizen. That would separate all the "true patriots" that just talk bullshit but would not be willing to put their lives on the line from the TRUE PATRIOTS, those that truly love this country.

To Rik, Bob and all the other "true americans" (yes, not in caps on purpose). It seriously amazes me who has more grasping power sometimes. Even an illegal wetback that just jumped over the border would understand this. WE DID NOT CHOOSE TO BREAK THE LAW. Here is the deal we have grown up here THIS IS OUR HOME!!! Where the hell are we supposed to go? Answer that one. ("Back to your home country") This is my home country you idiot.

For your information is the U.S.'s fault that this immigration issue is the way it is. First cheap labor seems pretty damn convenient and now... OH SHIT!!! SEND ILLEGALS HOME!!!! Give me a fucken break.

So your telling me you'd put us together with rapists and murderers? I didn't think you guys had shit for brains, but I guess you do, seeing as how illegals students are taking up citizens spots in universities. It should keep lazy bastard American citizens on their toes though.

NOW CONTRARY TO YOU GUYS THAT WONT EMPATHIZE WITH US AND WILL NOT EVER TRY TO PUT YOURSELVES IN OUR SHOES I WILL.

The way I see it, if I were in your shoes, id be pretty pissed too if a bunch of wetbacks came and took my job. BUT I would work to try to be better. I am willing to lean and grow.

Well if anyone wants to challenge my point of view, I will respond with a clear and concise rebuttal.

Oh to all who support the dream act please join

Dream Act Portal we need as many callere as possible!!!

the link is http://www.dreamact.info/forum/

May the force be with you...

P.S. By the way, last time I checked, we dreamers are not going anywhere whether you like it or not. Theres no reasoning with you people. (Had to add that to piss off the anti's lol)

Whatever happened to "all men are created equal"? Oh that's right all men with legal documents are created equal.

Again we are not asking to be given freebies, all we want is a fucken chance. If the U.S. offers a free education though, why not take it? We sure aren't stupid you know.

Another argument I keep hearing. Why cant my son get instate tuition but an illegal can? Well I will attempt to enlighten you on this subject. The way it works is if you attend college in the same state you attended high school, you will get resident tuition. If not, you wont. Whether your legal or illegal, its as simple as that.

We Can Realize the Dream of Tens of Thousands of Undocumented Students To Go To College! Demand Access To Financial Aid For Undocumented Students! Demand Gov. Schwarzenegger Sign The DREAM Act!

March and Rally at the State Capitol in Sacramento Thursday Oct. 4th, 12 noon

We defeated the racist HR4437 from becoming a law in 2006 by marching and taking the streets. In 2007, we can win a law that would change many of our lives for the better us my doing the same.

Get to Scaramento or march in your town October 4th.
Visit BAMN.com and add myspace.com/chavezdayofaction for further details.

You guy can help the Dream act to pass if only you sign the petition

http://gopetition.com/petitions/make-the-california-dream-a-reality.html

Only for California( to Convince the governor to sign the bill if it pass)

Instead of complaining about what you don't get because you are here illegally, you could say thanks for all you have been given: a free education through high school and free healthcare to name a couple. Since California passed 540, you qualify for in-state tuition. That's better than US citizens get if they want to come to school here from Wyoming.

A lot of students finish college with student loans. It's a fact of life for many, often middle class students whose parents don't qualify for loans. Once you graduate, you can get a job that pays more than you would have otherwise and can afford to pay those loans back. How much do we have to give to you?

"Once you graduate, you can get a job that pays more than you would have otherwise and can afford to pay those loans back. How much do we have to give to you?"

Uhh, not sure if you're paying attention but last time I checked, I was still illegal. We cant even get loans, let alone get jobs to pay back loans. DIpshit.

I'll check again tomorrow and we might be legal at last though! :)

The last time I looked you were getting plenty of jobs. Your families made the decisions to come here against our laws and live in the shadows. This may be one of the consequences of those decisions. I know you don't want to hear this, but many of us are tired of the incredible cost of illegal immigration.

I'm 22 working very hard to pay for my education. I get very upset when I hear that we are a burden to tax payin "citizens" since I began to work I have been paying taxes all of my friends who are also "illigal immigrants" pay thier taxes. Most of us hard working people who can't get an opportunity which is what we want not a freebi, are paying taxes. I think that what all the people who are against the dream act are afraid of is that "they" will be left behind, we are more determined than they are to make something of our lives.
We are not just waiting for things to fall in our hands we have to work twice as hard to achive our goals, wich is what we should all try to do. Please don't just take the easy route and stereotype people.

ALL WE WANT IS AN OPPORTUNITY!

Let us have it and prove that we truly belong here, that we can make this country greater.

I have to agree with alot of the postings. Children that came to the US as young children, are American. When you are 1,2,3 or anything under an adult, you go with what your family does, good, bad or indifferent. To Eric, you are American, heart and all.

HI I AM 26, AND MOVED TO USA WHEN I WAS 10. I DON'T BLAME MY PARENTS. THEY JUST WANTED A BETTER LIFE FOR US. AFTER HIGH SCHOOL I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I COULD NOT WORK OR GO TO SCHOOL. FINALLY I STARTED GOING TO A COMMUNITY COLLEGE WHERE I GRADUATED FROM WITH AN A.S. DEGREE IN RESPIRATORY CARE. AND OBTAINED A FULL TIME JOB. IT HAS BEEN ABOUT 5 YEARS SINCE I GRADUATED. I AM NOT ABLE TO WORK IN A HOSPITAL. I HAVE BEEN TAKEN SOME CLASSES IN THE SAME COLLEGE. I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO TRANSFER TO A 4 YEAR UNIVERSITY, BUT I AM AFRAID THAT ALL THAT WILL GO TO WASTE JUST LIKE ALL THE 160 SEMESTER UNITS THAT I HAVE TAKEN AT THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE. MY SISTER HAS A B.A. IN SOCIOLOGY AND GOING FOR HER MASTERS IN COUNSELING. SHE IS ALSO AFRAID THAT ALL SCHOOL THAT SHE HAS DONE AND DOING WILL GO TO WASTE. AT THIS POINT I DO NOT KNOW WHAT I FEEL ANYMORE. I THINK I WENT TO A STATE OF DEPRESSION LAST YEAR. I WAS WORRIED ABOUT MY FAMILIES WHOLE SITUATION(ALSO HAVE 2 BROTHERS). THERE ARE NIGHTS WHEN I CAN'T SLEEP JUST THINKING ABOUT THE FACT THAT MANY PEOPLE DO NOT WANT EDUCATED PEOPLE LIKE US TO THRIVE AND HELP THIS GREAT COUNTRY PROGRESS EVEN FURTHER. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I GET FRUSTRUATED AT PEOPLE THAT WASTE THE OPPRTUNITIES THAT ARE GIVEN BY THE GOVERNMENT(EDUCATION, FINANCIAL AID, GRANTS). WE DO NOT WANT TO TAKE ANYTHING AWAY FROM ANYONE, WE PAY TAXES. WE ARE NOT CRIMINALS. WE ARE EDUCATED HUMAN BEINGS THAT WANT TO MAKE "AMERICA" A BETTER NATION. I HOPE THAT POLITICIANS OPEN THEIR MINDS AND HEARTS AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT OUR SITUATION. WE ARE AMERICANS AT HEART AND PART OF THIS SOCIETY.

PS. HOW ARE ILLEGALS A BURDEN TO U.S. PLEASE GET INFORMED BY THE RIGHT SOURCES AND NOT JUST BY THE PARTY THAT REPORTS ONLY ONE SIDE OF THE ISSUE.

AZTECRT: I agree with you, but please, please, please people do not use caps for a whole post, its a bit hard to read :)

DREAM ACT MAN:

I admire your determination and your will to stand up for what you beleive is just.More people like you should walk upon this earth.

Most people take advantage of our "illegal" status, and see it as our weakness, but what they don't know is that it only makes us stronger.

Here is a poem that I dedicate to all those who beleive and pray for better days.

Where there is a will
there is a way
to search and discover
a better day

Where a positive heart
is all you need
to rise beyond
and succeed

Where young minds grow
and respect eachother
based on their deeds
and not on their color

When times are dim
say as I say
"Where there is a will there is a way!"

written by Tupac Shakur

P.S. Uplift the race!!!

i have been here since i've been here for 14 years. Im not gonna say that its my paernts fault because i dont feel like its their faul. i think it was a good thing that they brrought me here becasue i have been able to make something better of my life. i know that if i still lived in mexico i would not be doing as good as i am doing now. I dont know why people are so againts us. they really think that they could make this wonderful country work without us. If it wasnt for the people that work in the fields you wouldnt have your veggies or your fruit and all tihngs agricultural. We are not doiing any harm by being here. I dont think its fair that just because some one of our situation that made a bad decison should cast a shadow on all of us. i just wish that you could open your hearts and you minds and instead of being againts us help us and help make a change in history and help mkae it a better country................................ yes i was born in mexico but i am AMERICAN and no one can ever take that away from me i dont fcfare who you are you have no right to tell me what i am.....

There is a place where you can go to school legally and it's called Mexico, Korea or Canada, whatever your homeland is. Many parents make decisions that impact their children's lives forever. However, why is that our country should must pay the price for another country's citizen's mistakes. OUr children are the ones that pay the price now and in the future. These illigal law breakers and their families ought to first own up to the fact that they are law breakers and stop asking for more handouts. Go back to your home country and beg your own government for handouts and see where that gets you. Go there and run for government and change the way things are there. Make your own country better and lift up the people there and make it the next America. Stop the cycle of being a third world nation. If you love the way things are here then use what you know to help your own people and stop hurting our country and yourselves. Stop the pathetic "whoa is me" mentality. We don't want people here who are crying for HELP all the time. We want people who can pull up their own boot straps and help themselves and do it within the laws that were made by our founding fathers. There are rules people!! This country needs to be lifted up, not dragged down. Go start a company in Mexico that employs your fellow citizens and import the stuff around the world. Go after your dreams there and show the world that your country has some backbone.

I don't want my tax dollars to be spent on law-breaking illegal aliens.

Why don't they take their talents and go back to Mexico, and help that country?

Mexico uses the US as a dumping ground for excess population. Liberals love to degrade America, and they support the environmental damage that open borders brings.

Susan I was wondering... are you pro-life or pro-choice?

Folks, let us not forget our intent to continue pushing forward, despite all odds. If you were in need of help,wouldn't you seek assistance from such an act? If the issue at hand is that the money could be spent on additional, far more serious needs, then, please, create a voice. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's did not happen for any reason. Raise your concern by raising a respectful voice. Let your elected and appointed United States Representatives know that you are, or are not, in accordance with the passage/ continuity of the Dream Act. Rest assure, if you are not in accordance, you should keep in mind that it would be best to give a valid reason as to why; saying, 'just b/c,' does not cut it. If you are in agreement, then propose a plan to budget for money and devise a plan of action. Perhaps resources such as the office of Congress Woman Hilda Solis, Univision Reporter Teresa Rodriguez, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, or the Center for Community Partnerships at UCLA, would be willing and able to lend you a helping hand. You be the voice, that's what shakin' and movin' is all about. In the words of Lao-Tzu, " A journey of a thousand miles, must begin with a single step".

Hey everyone my name is Alba and iam ive been living in america since I was 8 months old. Now iam 19years old iam a high school graduate I gratuaded as a B student and iam proud of my self.I want to go college i want to major in law but because of my status its very difficult. Iam protected my mom because of clintons law but ones I turn 21 iam consider and adult so I cant be protected anymore it really sucks. I talk to lawyers and they reapetly said that my best chances are to get married I cried because its not fair. Other people shouldnt have a right to tell us what to do please help us and give us the oppurtunity like we deserve I cry because I strugle I want to trow the towel in but I think of my mother and she gives me hope and inspiration. Dream act please let it be.

My name is Rodrigo Aguilar from Los Angeles, Ca. I came to the United States when i was 12 years old.I graduated from middle school, high school and now i'm attending at college. The books is expensive which i can't efford it. I work for full time and i pay my taxes like anybody else. I also want it join the Marines but i can't because i'm not resident or citizens. Let's send an e-mail or call the Governor Arnold to sign the DREAM ACT.

The California dream act. It seems that every time the undocumented wants something it has to do with give me, give me. I see many demands on the government of the state, or the country. I do not see any demands on the government of Mexico, or Panama, or El Salvador, or Iran for that matter. So many demands, yet so few that are demanding willing to risk their very lives for the great dream of living in the US, or better yet the capitol of no holds barred, California. I too emigrated here like most of you with a student visa that eventually expired. Yes, you got it, I had to endure pain, and suffering. I did not blame the US government. It is their country, they have a right to place rules as they see fit. With eventuality I became married and joined the military. Even fighting against the same people that I consider myself. Yes, they were oppresive and the US government took them out;they were held accountable. Not even after becoming a resident and then a citizen do I demand that I be given special rights. Why???? The Germans, Italians and so many others before me have attained without being given any special treatment. Why are we the only ones demanding that everything is in Spanish, or that we be given money, again and again. It is a disgrace from countries such as Mexico that continues to do nothing for its people. The good quality of life in the US, or California does not have a pattent. Why are we not emulating it instead of demanding this, or that. Ask your parents why they did what they did and why they failed to plan for the future that would eventually place you in the situation that you are in. Accountability starts at home.

hey stupid people that are saying that us mexicans should leave. thanks to my mother and father working at the fields you are getting food that isnt costly. we want to be just like everybody else. we want to have a career. i feel that iam more from here than in where iam from. i would be so greatful if the dream act passes becuase it would ready be a DREAM. i think that us who cant go to college try harder than those who can. we have the most willing to suceed then those who can so most easier!!

Today UC San Diego held a press conferece supporting the Dream Act. Students rallied in the free speech zone actively contributing both their thoughts on the subject and their phones helping us reach out to the governors office. I sincerely think that this bill can only lead us to progress.

Now that you have all had the benefit of a high school education here in the United States due to the generosity of the American taxpayer, why wouldn't you want to go back to your country of origin and help them make that a better place to live so that people don't need to flee by the millions? They have vast oil and tourist resources and there is no reason they should not have a vibrant economy.

Hi everyone, hope you are all well I am just smiling at some of the coments placed by uninformed people. HEY Henry Heglass! soooooooo! you took the easy way and got married. To a citizen? many of us don't want to get married because we do not have the means to support our families at this time. Michele I pay taxes, and social security that I will probably not see in the future. I am not asking for money, I am asking for anything to be handed down. I, just like many other stressed immigrants, work hard formy needs. I pay for my classe, no financial aid. I don't think I Am taking your Tax money MICHELE. I work 2 jobs and some odd jobs to pay my bills. Either way thanks michelle, for the option, but I want to stay here because I was raised here.

it should be vetoed. there are consequences to breaking laws, and such disincentives are part of the deal. you shouldn't reward people for breaking the law. the simple fact is our school system is under severe strain, year by year funding gets cuz and or school fee's continue to rise. now is not the time for charity when we can't even take care of our own. these people are the responsibility of THEIR government, not ours. they are not our children and we shouldn't be forced to take care of them anymore than any of us should be forced to take in homeless off the street into our homes just because they are needy. if the bleeding hearts want to personally give to such people, fine, do it yourself, do not try to make the government basically condone illegal behavior.

also the basic dishonesty in the illegal immigration debate is a bit disgusting. they are ILLEGAL immigrants and trying to call them undocumented or simply "immigrants" as i've heard many proponents use is a type of manipulation that really backfires. just because you hide it doesn't mean its not the elephant in the room. they also like to talk of illegal immigrants taxes without mentioning that its insignificant compared to the cost of the services they use. all the taxes they pay couldn't pay for just the education of their children in california for instance. this is never mentioned because the debate isn't honest and its really just disgusting. a collusion between racial pressure groups bleeding hearts and commercial interests that like driving down wages and exploiting workers, its the perfect storm that creates and protects this horrible situation.

To all of you illegals who have received free education at our expense, go home and help your fellow citizens to make your country what you like about ours. Your parents broke our laws and dragged you here.....that doesn't mean we have to accept you... it doesn't mean you have a legal reason to be here....to sponge off us some more..... you are not a son or daughter of america but of where you come from and to where you should return with the education we gave you. Yes, instead of looking for more handouts have some pride and help out your citizens!! Our constitution protects our citizens not illegal aliens!

Hi,
I'm surprised at the assumptions so many uninformed citizens are making about undocumented immigrants.

I can't make a blanket statement for them all, but I know my parents have been paying tax for 15 years. It's such an affliction that now I'm 19, I'm not allowed any financial aid for college, no loans no nothing. Doesn't that mean citizens (by getting aid) are benefiting from our money, the way they're accusing the undocumented immigrants of?

Also, moms and dads don't sit three year olds down and ask for our opinion of entering the United States illegally. We don't even remember getting on the plane. We didn't commit a crime. Our experience is wholly American.

I am so enraged at one of the earlier comments above, using God's word to justify "sending the immigrants back home."

Yes, the Bible does say "the sins of the fathers shall be cast upon the sons." That doesn't mean that we basically committed that sin. It means that we'll pay for it, struggle for it, be affected by the wrongs done by our forefathers. And that's exactly the point, we are paying for our parents' mistakes. It's a good thing that that was written in the old testament - it wasn't God's final word on the subject. He promises deliverance from darkness, when we obey His commands and decrees. The Bible tells us the practical aspects and results of sin, but it also releases us from the punishment.

I hope none of the immigrants took whoever wrote that seriously. God loves all people, and is close to the weary and brokenhearted.

You should be angry at your parents for making you into an illegal instead of thinking that America is doing wrong by not giving you special breaks.

Anonymous: It's a two way street, though, if we take the benefits of the labor of undocumented workers, their kids work hard in high school and succeed, they are here, and then we don't help them acheive the best they can be. It's not a special break--it is what everyone else who lives here, pays taxes, works, and contributes to the state gets.

I am a United States citizen, and I support the DREAM ACT. Its very ironic how the Senator of Florida, Sen. Melendez, does not support it when hes a Cuban American. Of all people he should feel compassion for these innocent youth that are trying to achieve their dreams. Immigrants will persist in our country whether we want it or not. So why not educate them so that they can one day be leaders in their communities. Do we forget that our ancestors were all immigrants? Dare to be different people, and support something that will bring hope to many young people.

I have to say I'm completely overwhelmed by the ignorance of those who what the "Mexicans" out. Anyways, heres my story, i was brought to the U.S when i was 4. I attended elementary, middle and high school, graduating from all three with excellent grades. thought school i thought myself as an American, an everyone else close to me thought i was nothing less than than one of them. though i was accepted to a S.U. tuition was to costly so those door closed for me. Still, that did not stop me from continuing towards my goals. i am not currently attending college and plan to transfer to a 4 year U. there is noting anyone or anything that can stop me from completing my goals. college is really expensive but thats not slowing me down. though i cannot get a license to drive, i still do and have not receive a ticket ever since i started driving, which is more that any other "citizen" can say. i guess what im saying is that im here to stay along with all my other brothers and sisters in the same situation. NO SE PREOCUPEN O SE AGUITEN, SIGAN A DELANTE. TO GRINGUITOS NOS TIENEN ENVIDIA.

Wheeeeewww....That is a lot to take in...I have a most unpleasant feeling at the pit of my stomach with all the things I just read, well, all the prejudice, uninformed, pathetic statements and opinions. It's funny, really, how people say "they" are hurt or are suffering by us being here...I mean, are you serious?...Your daily life is that much affected because of us? You dont have anything better to do, like, I dunno, um work, learn, volunteer etc?....WoW, poor you. You know in all the years I have been working and paying taxes, I have never thought twice about what they go for..I just pay 'em. I dont say DAMN there goes my money paying for some damn road being built...or shit, I have to pay for all these kids to go to school????...COME ON!!!! I read a comment up there saying we should sit down with our parents and ask them why they ruined our lives and yadayada...lol. If anything I thank my parents every day for always doing and seeking a better way, a BETTER LIFE. Yes, its been hard growing up with little options, Yes it would be easier if the Dream Act would pass, or better yet an Amnisty of some sort, and trust me I would be the first in line, But let me make this clear: NO MATTER WHAT, WITH OR WITHOUT...I WILL BE HERE, WE..WILL BE HERE, Working hard, providing for our families, trying to pursue happiness by any means. You kick us out...we'll find another hole to crawl back through..simple as that.
One of the most appealing things about the U.S Government is that it gives us, the People, more say than any other Country on how the Place should be run, and even then, its sad to say, it isnt always effective. Unfourtunately Governments in other parts of the World dont give that chance to their citizens, so how can we go back and change anything?..Especially if we have grown up in a place that teaches us to dream big, fight for what we believe, you can be anything you wanna be, America the Beautiful,yadayada....Why would we wanna go back to a country we know little about...and start all over?...duh, not an option.
We are grateful for the education we have recieved through High School, we arent whining and trying to squeeze more out of "You" we simply are of the idea that in order to thank you...America, we should continue our Education, and contribute to the only place most of us have known all our lives. And to give back to the Wonderful Parens that brought us to OUR new Home...

well said April! Thank you!

Hey if you guys want to work and go to school and contribute to America, I think it's stupid that the government is stopping you. Even though you don't have your papers, I consider you Americans because this is where you live and what you know. I think you should have a chance to work, go to school, and earn your citizenship.

I have taught students, who came here with their families from Mexico, for more than fifteen years. They are kind, intelligent, hard working, and generous people. I love them very much. They are an asset to our country.

It breaks my heart to hear the comments made in the media about these young people. How have Americans become so cruel, greedy, self-centered. All - but the Native Americans and African Americans who were brought here against their will - are immigrants.

Why is it we can raise millions of dollars to help people in other countries, billions of dollars for wars in other countries, billions of dollars to buy leader's loyalty in other countries - but we can't educate and help the undocumented people living in our own country realize their dreams?

We fight for democracy and freedom all around the world. We preach to other political leaders about human dignity and compassion.

Stand back. Take a long look at the venom being spewd against the people living here. What are we doing?

Janet

I am a student at Cal State Northridge and I fully support the dream act!!!
It angers me to see the comments posted by, I'm sure educated people, that only show ignorance and lack of education. These people claim things that are nothing more than stereotypes that are not supported by facts!
People need to start educating themselves and acknowledging the history and struggle of people who only struggle because of of wrong headed U.S. policies.
As a journalism major, I am using my skills and my degree as a way to get important issues out into the open!
It makes me feel a little guilty to read the postings and realize that I don't take full advantage of the education that is handed to me, don't get me wrong, I struggled to get into a Cal State, but my struggles will never compare to yours.
I see students in my classes who are undocumented (because no one is illegal) and I see how determined they are and how they make their points and views known and the ways in which they participate in student organizations and events and I realize that I am one of the lazy Americans you have discussed, but I assure you, that, that is me no more!
Whenever I feel that I can't do anything I will remember your stories and your struggles and just keep moving forward!

p.s
I have become an active participant for the support of the dream act and I assure you that I will help get this bill passed!

Azteca, here illegally and yet you brag about driving illegally without a driver's license. You have no respect for American laws do you? You also state that if you were to have to leave you'd sneak back in, illegally. You are exactly the kind of person I want deported back to your home.

We all are all aware of the American Laws, Bob...and we really dont like to break any of them...but unfortunately we dont have a choice... We need to work, to get to work, we need to drive, some of us dont have easy access to a bus, and most of us would not know how to survive if we were deported to our home countries...we know how to live here, in America. So put yoursefl in our situation. If you had to survive, if you had to work, live in a foreign place...what would you do? If it were the only place you have know since you were very little?

As a parent, I would never place my kids into a situation like your parents have done. Yet, you want me and others to "feel your pain" and make concessions to you and others like you. All the time not respecting any laws. You drive without a license, therefore you do not have car insurance. What happens if you hit someone? Like me and my children. If deported, you'll already stated that you'll sneak back in. Why not if deported, come back legally and not stay "Illegal". I for one do not agree with the term "undocumented". Instead of crying about wanting "freebies" try doing something about your status and your parents status.

Actually the ironic thing is that I do have insurance...isnt that funny?...so we can buy cars, pay for insurance, pay taxes...but cant get a licnese, can get loans, you see the pattern here bob?...even though, I went through school to learn how to drive etc. If we where Deported, well atleast in my case...If I were deported having been here a little less than 21 years I wouldnt be allowed to fix or try to come in legally, I would be banned for 10 years...thats what I meant by "sneaking" back...or what am I supposed to leave all my family...all my life here?

And please dont say you would never put your kids through the same thing...Cause you never know. Ultimately you would want the best thing for your children, no matter what. And that is exactly what our parents did. and FYI 10 years ago our parents didnt know what the legal situation would be like today, let alone 20.

In regards to the comment that takes the "sins of the fathers shall be cast upon the sons" passage from the Bible, wouldn't that then make all of the European Americans (who call themselves plainly "Americans") murderers and thieves for what they did to the Indians? Go back far enough in their family trees (not too far because you'll end up in Europe) and you'll find that one of their fathers emigrated to this land and killed the original inhabitants and took their land. I'm calling the police, there are murderers and thieves all around me!!!

P.S. The DREAM ACT should be passed. It would allow students to further their education, get better jobs and thus contribute more to this great nation. Students who were brought here unwillingly shouldn't be penalized for the illegal act their parents committed. How are they going to return to a country that they know nothing about? And to that jackass Bob, if you were in a country with a corrupt government, screwed up economy and no chances of improving your life, believe me, for the sake of your children, you would flee to a better land. Thats exactly what one of your ancestors did to escape the persecution of the king and his monarchy.

First let me say, Mike, April, you don't know anything about me or my ancestry. You're assuming I'm white, or European. Both are incorrect. I'm American first regarless of my family background.

You can always tell when someone is backed into a corner. They always revert to name calling. Gee Mike, why didn't you use the "racist" card.
According to you all Europeans are murderers and thieves. This argument is always used in this situation. Tell me something, Miguel, aren't Mexicans a combo of Spanish and the conquered, killed, and pillaged, Aztecs? What about that scenario? Still goes back to the Europeans and YOU.
By the way, my daughter goes to junior college without any assistance from the government. She works and pays her own way.
Bottom line. It's not my problem that your parents screwed up. You're actually lucky. Any other country would have deported or jailed them. Like for instance Mexico. Read their immigration laws before you start acting like all of you are owed something. This is my last comment, so give me all you got.

mike no need to be using that language. That is what people like Bob want us to do. Get angry and act like fools. Bob regardless of what your ancestry is you are still part of the immigration movement to America. If you are not a Native, your ancestors were immmgrants. no one said you were white. You assumed. Mike was only giving you a history lesson. How do you know that Mike is Mexican? Did he mention it some where? Get informed before you respond. Please. There are Oriental, Europeans, deep South American and others who are in this situation, not only Mexicans. Sorry that you think that we want things handed down. We don't. We can hold our own. Some of us have two or three jobs to pay our way through school, just like yor daughter. we are just asking for a small window to practice our knowledge and improve the economy of our country. We are young people like your daughter, who only want a better life or be someone productive in our society. we do not want a freebie, believe me we work hard both at work and school. Thanks for reading Bob, and make sure you congratulate your daughter for the hard work she is doing.

Hi, i'm a 21 year old student who's dreams were gutted by a company who terminated our petition for a green card right when my mom was fired...not exactly nice especially when it was about to be approved...now as me and my brother continue to strive for education and a future, several obstacles have come up. We can barely afford the cost for community college, my acceptance into the community college's nursing program was held back because i lack a Social Security, (If i can recall isn't there a law that states that u don't have to provide a social security to enter college/university...special program or not...)and i don't have a license so i'm forced to take the bus (although taking the bus isn't as bad as what people who has never taken the bus think)

I hope this act passes...cause i want to contribute to this country that has educated me...To those who oppose this act...why the heck do you lack compassion and the common sense to step in the shoes of those who want this act passed...All who wants this act passed just want one thing...A CHANCE TO CHANGE THEIR FATE.

For people who can't seem to imagine themselves in the shoes of those who wants this act passed look at this example:

Person A (a citizen) for some odd reason goes broke because of a situation...as long as he has Social Security, he can access special programs to recover from his/her predicament. Person B on the other hand(non-citizen) goes through the same situation but, due to the lack of a Social Security, he/she is forced to rely on others (which isn't very pretty...i know)

another note: Lawmakers can't seem to decide on a minimum age for Social Security...ever since i was 12 they kept changing the law...(this was before we lost our status/mom was fired) if they didn't have a problem with the minimum age, i wouldn't have ended up in this situation...

I still support the act whether i was in this situation or not for americans started out as immigrants...so why treat immigrants rudely if americans started as immigrants...

As a dual citizen, I truly struggle with the question of undocumented individuals living in the United States.

On the one hand, I recognize all of the contributions and achievements that those living without papers have made to this country. In some ways, our lives in the United States are richer because of their presence. I also understand that 'legal' and 'illegal' immigrants are fluid concepts-and considering US history, I am hesitant to argue about who has the right to accuse someone else of being 'illegal'. I think many against this cause shut their eyes to these arguments because they feel acknowledging these points would 'hurt their cause'.

On the other hand, I also realize that there are a number of individuals who wish to immigrate to the US who do not have the benefit of location (enabling them to cross borders). Who do wait in line in Asia, in Africa, in India and parts of Europe, and go through the application process 'legally'. So there is a fairness argument that I feel is often not addressed in this debate by those who are supporters of this cause. Might those individuals not also make the same contributions, and work in the same positions as those who are undocumented? Also, I think some of the issues of burden vs. benefit depends on the town we're talking about. There are some communities struggling with limited resources and a feeling (correctly or incorrectly) that social resources and public schools are being taxed by their presence (though they do pay social security).

I suppose the two questions I'm most interested in discussing is what people think this nation would be like if there were no undocumented individuals in this country, and what people think this nation would be like if there we no policies or regulations about immigration to the US (or what would a 'fair' policy be?).

Interesting conversation.

April you are correct I am Native American. From my point of view,looked what happens when you have uncontrolled immigration.

dumb ass indian

Again, the 'illegals' reverting to name calling.

I couldn't care less about what you say or think about me. I may not be legal, but with the help of my parents, I'm going through college. I'll be going through medical school in four years. I don't compare to all the hardworking students getting through college that are in the same situation as me and are handling both school and work at the same time. They truly deserve praise. I can depend on a private scholarship that covers practically everything; by private, I mean that no taxpayer money went into it. If the Dream Act doesn't pass, we're going to have a new problem in the near future; what do we do about all the illegal aliens with college degrees? Trust me, we are going to get through college. Our parents might have been okay with taking the jobs that noone else wanted, but being raised in America has made us too ambitious for that. All the Dream Act will do is help all the talented but inhibited students concentrate more on getting an education and less on how they're going to pay for that education.

yo no vivo en California, vivo en Oregon. Aqui rechazaron esa propuesta y la verdad es que yo tengo bastantes ganas de asistir al collegio, pero no puedo por que mi seguro no es valido aqui, tengo planeado irme ah vivir a California por que ce que alli los estudiantes si pueden estudiar pero no estoy muy segura si prodria acer eso, ustedes saben mas sobre eso?
grasias y pa' delante!

i am not an illegal you [expletive deleted by editor] , you just dont make sense, go get drunk or something...

Come to a Teach-In on one of the most important civil rights issues of our time:
Immigrant Students and the California Dream Act

UCLA UNDERGROUND~UNDERGRADS

Immigrant students at UCLA and other college campuses throughout the country are struggling to get an education.
Join this important Teach-In to learn about:

*The California Dream Act
*College and High School Organizing Efforts
*Opportunities for immigrant youth and students

We will be hearing from key elected officials, immigrant rights leaders, college faculty, and immigrant students themselves.

FOR UPDATES:
HTTP://WWW.STUDENTGROUPS.UCLA.EDU/IDEAS

Saturday, March 1st , 2008
Location: UCLA Campus Haines Bldg Room 39
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
lunch will be provided
Please R.S.V.P.
laborcenter@irle.ucla.edu or 310.794.9111

Sponsored by:
UCLA Labor Center
IDEAS at UCLA
Campus parking is available for $8 in Lots 2 and 3
====================================

Post a comment