President Skorton recently sent a public letter to leaders of other post-secondary institutions in New York State and to members of the federal congress expressing his support for the DREAM (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors) Act, which would provide subsidized higher education for children born of illegal aliens inside the United States. It will also provide a six year path to citizenship that is contingent upon the completion of a college education. This is a provision in the most updated version of the House immigration bill, and will be introduced separately in the Senate, likely by New York Senator Charles “Chuck You” Schumer.
President Skorton’s open support for this is expected, as it means more government money for his institution and the rest of the University-Industrial Complex to which I have referred before. The basic argument for it is that children who are here illegally did not choose to be here illegally. By not providing them the same help that we grant to children who are American citizens, we are punishing them for something over which they had no control, as children in this situation do not have access to in-state tuition and federal financial aid.
Of course, this is simply doing more of what the United States federal government already does, which is subsidize illegal immigration. If wind of this blows down to Mexico, I’m sure plenty of adults there would fancy the idea of sneaking over and having a child, who could free gain access to the world’s top post-secondary system. This could all be done without going through the hassle of actually registering to become citizens.
As a first generation American from a family that migrated here with no money or educational background, I understand the desire of immigrants to come and capitalize on America’s opportunities. I do not blame them for this. However, I am extremely irked by the fact that many come here without ever intending to become citizens and pay taxes, all while taking advantage of America’s social programs.
It also is worth mentioning that America is currently broke and is in no position to be the world’s life raft right now. The DREAM Act will end up serving as another way for Democrats to pick up votes, all while harming the majority of their constituency.
