Recently, there has been a stir on social media over two valedictorians of Texas high schools revealing that they are undocumented citizens. They have shared their accomplishments, proclaiming that they are proud to prove that they are just as valid to be in this country as everyone else. Mayte Lara Ibarra exclaimed in a tweet that caused her to delete her account, "Valedictorian, 4.5 GPA, full tuition paid for UT, 13 cords/medals, nice legs, oh and I'm undocumented." Another Texas Valedictorian, Larissa Martinez, used her graduation speech to reveal her citizenship and to indirectly address anti-immigration sentiments. These achieving students are off to do great things and they serve as role models to similar, undocumented youth in the United States, seemingly hidden as they succeed.
This all seems like a great story until you look at the backlash these students have received, particularly from supporters of Donald Trump. People took to social media to attack these undocumented students. They claim they shouldn't be paying for the education of non-US citizens. They believe that these teenagers are proud of "taking advantage of the system." These valedictorians' revelations have fueled Trump supporters' initiative to build a wall between the United States and Mexico.
Personally, I believe the way to initiate change in the United States’ immigration policies is to focus on the assimilation of youth that were illegally immigrated as children, and not isolate them like many on social media have taken to. There are more than one million undocumented children under 18 out of the estimated total of 11.1 million immigrants living in America. This is a startling amount that continues to grow, but these one million immigrants are faced with constant struggles that no child should ever endure.
Many undocumented youths feel a part of an in-between generation; they do not belong to the group of immigrants but are also not accepted by US citizens. These youth often face unwarranted racial profiling, discrimination, violence, raids, separation from their families, and ultimately deportation. They will be even further harassed if Republican candidate Donald Trump's radical immigration policies are set in motion.
There should be open arms for those in need who are no threat to the American community. It is inhumane to drive out the aspiring businessmen, teachers and policemen that result from accepting and assimilating undocumented youth. These youth want to be Americans officially because that is all they know. They grew up in the United States but cannot become legal citizens due to extreme restrictions. America was originally built by immigrants and constantly boasts its inclusive nature but does little to support those claims.
“Being undocumented is like living in this invisible prison, trapped behind these invisible bars, and you’re stuck there with your family.” teenager Jong-Min describes in an interview for the American Psychological Association, “In my heart, I want to be a Supreme Court justice, I want to be here… I’m American and this is my home, this is my country.”
United States legislation is more often than not incredibly strict on changing immigration policies, but there is no decline in undocumented movement into the country. Rather than expelling these pseudo-citizens away for being immigrated by their parents without their consent, make it easier for them to become citizens. Loosen policies and allow undocumented children to become a part of the generation they can see from the outside. We are a country that needs a President that will put the needs of the entire population first, including undocumented citizens.
Open your hearts to the children that need an education and a safe roof over their heads just like yours do and maybe the United States wouldn’t have such a seemingly overbearing immigration concern.
