Education of Children of Illegal Immigrants

The subject of allowing children of illegal immigrants has been around for a few years and gaining more attention in recent months. Unfortunately the subject provokes some issues that are diametrically opposed as to how they should be addressed. In other words the issue of educating children of illegal immigrants, and immigrants themselves, puts us all between a rock and hard place.

There seem to be two underlying issues behind this dilemma. They are: the Law of The Land and Societal Compassion. Illegal is illegal. But, carrying for children in our land has been a hallmark in our evolution as a advanced society.

Let’s start with the issue of illegality, because it confuses me most. When reports indicate that there are over 40,000 illegal Irish immigrants in the Boston area or that there are 12 million illegal Mexicans working in the USA, I have to ask myself a question. How do they know all of this if the people are illegal? Is there a separate reporting line on the census questionnaire? "Are you illegal? Check here! Is their a separate box to check on applications and drivers licences? And yes, many illegal immigrants drive legally.

When a child comes with his or her parents to enroll in a public school, how is it determined that they are children of illegal immigrants? Does the principal ask it? Is there a special form to fill out? How do they know?

Which brings me to the next issue. If they know, why aren’t the parents arrested? Instead of saying your child will be in classroom so and so, why don’t they say please wit a moment while I call the authorities. But wait a minute! You can’t separate children from their parents. Or can you?

If a legal USA citizen does something illegal, he or she is sent away regardless of whether or not they have children. Our court case workers will tell you it is common place and a real problem. Is that the same for children of parents being deported? Almost, because in most cases the children of illegal immigrants are natural born citizens of this country. Gets complicated doesn’t it?

Solution? I can think of one that has worked occasionally in other areas. And since it seems apparent that the business community and citizenry of our country need or want these illegal immigrants, it might work. Yes, we do need and want them because we keep hiring them.

What is that possible solution? Take seriously the concept of The United States of America. By widening the scope and understanding of America. Just like we added Alaska and Hawaii, let us add the nine or so states to our north in what is now called Canada and the twenty-five or so states in what we now call Mexico. The it would truly be the UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA.

Then we could take advantage of the best of the three present countries, just as Europe is doing today. It is also the radical concept our forefathers had when they comprised these United States of America, that every human being on planet Earth seem to want to come to and enjoy.