Thursday, June 08, 2006

A Question of Legality



One of the white-robed girls at the JEB Stuart graduation on Tuesday night received honor after honor. She is an International Baccalaureate candidate. She is the recipient of multiple scholarships. But she may not be allowed to attend college and it is not for lack of funds or qualifications.

She is an illegal immigrant from Honduras. Her parents have been deported. She lives with her brother. Unfortunately most colleges and universities in the US require legal status in the country of residence. I understand there may be a deal worked out the George Mason University to accept her as a student, but there is no certainty.

My mind turns to the growing number of college students who are there simply because they have nothing better to do and they are not yet ready to join the work force. It seems grossly unfair that this young woman who desperately wants to go to college should be denied the chance.

What is your take on this? Should an illegal alien be denied a slot that could otherwise be occupied by a full-fledged US citizen? Or should this young woman be allowed to embody the American dream? Where should this country draw the line on issues dealing with immigrants – legal or illegal?

2 Comments:

Blogger Kate said...

I think this is a tough question...obviously this young woman deserves a spot at a college. Are there not visa possibilities for her?

K

10:57 AM  
Blogger RennyBA said...

Yes, this is a reall tough question and I am not to give advice or judge, coming from Norway. We do have the same challenge here, although in smaller scale. Maybe we should try to help them where they comes from instead?

5:19 PM  

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