Immigration has long been a hot button issue in the United States. Recently the state of Arizona passed a law that allows police officers to demand identification from anyone they suspect may be an illegal immigrant. Many people showed outrage over that new law and saw it as racist.
Whatever side of the immigration debate you find yourself on, there still remains the issue of education. What happens to illegal immigrants when it comes to higher education?
In his article, Academic Purgatory Ilan Stavans writes about a student who he calls "Jorge" to protect the subjects identity. Jorge after three attempts escaped his birth country of Mexico when he was young. Fleeing from poverty, violence, and attacks he came to the United States in search of an education. He excelled in everything academically and after much dedication and sacrifice has now earned his Ph.D. .
In the article Stavan asks the question, An illegal immigrant earns a Ph.D. Now what? "Jorge" still can not get a job, live a normal life or bask in his accomplishments. He is still an illegal immigrant and at any moment can be found out and deported.
Read Stavan's article here and then let me know what you think.
Should illegal immigrants who have fled to this country for whatever reason be allowed to obtain higher education? What should happen after they graduate? If you could create a law concerning illegal immigration and higher education what solution would you come up with?
