SchoolTube

From: Science Leadership Academy
Rating (0 votes): 0
Added: 11-05-2009
Description:
Unfortunately, there were some audio problems when recording the voice-over. Here is a transcript: Theyâ?Tre a lot like you and me. Theyâ?Tre the typical law-abiding American, who grows up and attends public school in the heartland of the United States. They have children, raise families, and go to work. Most of them are model citizens. But some of them arenâ?Tt citizens at all. Despite their strong American identity, they are unable to legally work or receive pension. Illegal immigrants are often stereotyped as criminals, here to make a quick buck by taking advantage of American citizens. However, many more are merely trying to escape the harsh conditions of their home country, or were smuggled in at a young age by their parents.They are American in all respects save for their documentation. They have just as much to offer as any citizen- sometimes, even more.Nancy is an excellent student, good enough be accepted into Harvard and Brown Universities. But due to her status as an illegal alien, she does not qualify for financial aid or scholarships. The same applies to many of Nancy's classmates, who are also academically outstanding. It is clear that not all illegal immigrants should simply detained and deported. However, before we begin to address this problem, we must first understand the history of immigration law. (timeline)Since citizenship was first defined in 1790, people have become increasingly suspicious of foreigners. This is surprising, because one could say that America is a nation of immigrants- 40 percent of Americans have at least one ancestor who passed through Ellis Island. Like Nancy and her peers, our ancestors also struggled to become citizens.So what is there to be done about hardworking but illegal immigrants like Nancy? One possible solution would be to allow illegal aliens with no criminal record to use recommendations from employers and teachers to prove that they are worthy of citizenship. Another option would be to provide these immigrants with special working visas, which would allow them to work and receive pension without being able to vote.The most viable option is the American Dream act, proposed by congress in 2003. This act would provide citizenship to immigrants who came to America at age 15 or younger and who have good moral character. Most importantly, it would save these immigrants from the constant fear of deportation.No one in our country should be forced to live the shadows. Illegal immigrants are part of our communities. They are our neighbors, and it is our civic duty to help them live safely. By doing this, we can form a more humane society.
Categories: Contests
Tags: immigration, documentary, young immigrants