Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Pursuiting A Dream
The DREAM Act has been a hot topic in the past days. Ever since the House of Representatives passed it, the current media burst will probably raise even more awareness, but I'm worried that many against the bill will try to portray the bill as something harmful to America.
I know the year is coming to a close, so I'm going to put up who I plan to invite to be on my panel to evaluate me by May, when my project comes to an end: Chinquapin teacher Andrew Prince, who knows a lot about government since he went to Harvard, mentor Gardner Dudley, Tim Holm who knows a lot about the demographics of immigration in America, and Pedro Villalobos.
They are mainly going to evaluate how efficiently I have tried to raise awareness on the bill, which is the main purpose of my project. Most importantly, I have to get across the message that this is for the benefit of America.
As of now, I feel like I know a lot about the controversy around the DREAM Act, and why some media portrays is as a "nightmare". Most of this is because of people being misinformed about the bill. Some people think that the DREAM Act, is a free ticket to citizenship for illegals. Well, it's not a ticket, and it's not free at all. The bill won't give illegals citizenship, it will only open the doors for many of them. Mostly these are Republicans, but I have been glad to see some Republicans that are in favor of the Dream Act are so because they are well informed about the DREAM Act.
I am planning on getting the school involved. After my presentation on the DREAM Act at school to a small portion of students, I wouldn't mind giving it in front of a larger crowd. I also want to get the school involved, I'm going to start out by writing an article on the Burr, and then probably give a speech to the entire school during circle ceremony. After that I'm going to get the students to write letters to their representatives and senators. I'll see what's comes up after that.
I know the year is coming to a close, so I'm going to put up who I plan to invite to be on my panel to evaluate me by May, when my project comes to an end: Chinquapin teacher Andrew Prince, who knows a lot about government since he went to Harvard, mentor Gardner Dudley, Tim Holm who knows a lot about the demographics of immigration in America, and Pedro Villalobos.
They are mainly going to evaluate how efficiently I have tried to raise awareness on the bill, which is the main purpose of my project. Most importantly, I have to get across the message that this is for the benefit of America.
As of now, I feel like I know a lot about the controversy around the DREAM Act, and why some media portrays is as a "nightmare". Most of this is because of people being misinformed about the bill. Some people think that the DREAM Act, is a free ticket to citizenship for illegals. Well, it's not a ticket, and it's not free at all. The bill won't give illegals citizenship, it will only open the doors for many of them. Mostly these are Republicans, but I have been glad to see some Republicans that are in favor of the Dream Act are so because they are well informed about the DREAM Act.
I am planning on getting the school involved. After my presentation on the DREAM Act at school to a small portion of students, I wouldn't mind giving it in front of a larger crowd. I also want to get the school involved, I'm going to start out by writing an article on the Burr, and then probably give a speech to the entire school during circle ceremony. After that I'm going to get the students to write letters to their representatives and senators. I'll see what's comes up after that.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
US Education Chief backs the DREAM Act
I am starting to hear more and more positive media on the DREAM Act. A recent article from AFP Google shows that even the US Education Chief has his reason's for supporting the bill.
According to the article, Most of the reason why the DREAM Act is important to American education is because it points America in the right direction. The U.S. has lost its rank of highest college graduation rate, and in order to be back in competition with countries like China, the DREAM act will act as a catalyst and boost the number of college graduates.
This makes sense because the DREAM Act will likely open up places not just for 1st tier colleges, but also to many community colleges that have quite a lot of room for more students.
According to the article, Most of the reason why the DREAM Act is important to American education is because it points America in the right direction. The U.S. has lost its rank of highest college graduation rate, and in order to be back in competition with countries like China, the DREAM act will act as a catalyst and boost the number of college graduates.
This makes sense because the DREAM Act will likely open up places not just for 1st tier colleges, but also to many community colleges that have quite a lot of room for more students.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Searching for the Evidence
Getting a bill through Congress can be very difficult. At the very bottom of the whole process though, there is a whole different task that has to take place- convincing the people. To convince people, there has to be certain evidence and proof that any American can understand and process. It doesn't have to be an evidence that has to follow certain logistics and laws; the evidence only needs to hit acr oss the point.
I think the main tool that can be used to push across a bill as difficult as the DREAM Act is to show the actual people that can benefit from this. I think one of the main reason why it is difficult is because many Americans don't really get to visualize the impact the DREAM Act could have on children and the positive effect on our country. That is why I've been investigating certain cases and testimonies that really show the hidden side of an undocumented student.
With the help of several faculty members and online research, I've been pulling together several cases from the web such as Eric Balderas, a Harvard student who is on a full scholarship but was facing deportation because he lacked proper documentation. I know the DREAM Act website has several anonymous testimonies that can help me push my point across, but I would also appreciate if anyone let me in on recent cases that could help the cause.
I think the main tool that can be used to push across a bill as difficult as the DREAM Act is to show the actual people that can benefit from this. I think one of the main reason why it is difficult is because many Americans don't really get to visualize the impact the DREAM Act could have on children and the positive effect on our country. That is why I've been investigating certain cases and testimonies that really show the hidden side of an undocumented student.
With the help of several faculty members and online research, I've been pulling together several cases from the web such as Eric Balderas, a Harvard student who is on a full scholarship but was facing deportation because he lacked proper documentation. I know the DREAM Act website has several anonymous testimonies that can help me push my point across, but I would also appreciate if anyone let me in on recent cases that could help the cause.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The Power Of Protest
I've been thinking a lot about rallying lately. I know that protesting can such a tremendous tool for immigrant rights. All I want is for each individual to realize how powerful their voice can be if they harmonize it among the thousands of immigrants in this nation.
The first person that comes to my mind is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was the one individual that could carry on an entire nation towards a dream. Nothing is impossible. I wonder if there will ever be that sort of figure for the Immigrants. Maybe it's more difficult because some have the fear of being deported, while others may have simply lost their desire to fight since they have already received their citizenship. I don't know what it is, but what I do know is that the government will eventually be forced to do something. I hope it's not too late by then.
The first person that comes to my mind is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was the one individual that could carry on an entire nation towards a dream. Nothing is impossible. I wonder if there will ever be that sort of figure for the Immigrants. Maybe it's more difficult because some have the fear of being deported, while others may have simply lost their desire to fight since they have already received their citizenship. I don't know what it is, but what I do know is that the government will eventually be forced to do something. I hope it's not too late by then.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Michelle Obama on Education
I found this video on TED in which Michelle Obama stresses the importance of education in America's 21st century.
As one can see education is very crucial to America. If we allow more students to receive a higher education, it will benefit America as a whole. This young generation needs as many resources as they can to financially afford college in order to deal with the problems that are piling up in our country.
As one can see education is very crucial to America. If we allow more students to receive a higher education, it will benefit America as a whole. This young generation needs as many resources as they can to financially afford college in order to deal with the problems that are piling up in our country.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The Dream Isn't Dead
As many of you know, the Dream was blocked last week. Senator Harry Reid amended the Defense Bill and attached the Dream Act to it. Many had their hopes running high since the democrats had the number advantage, but it wasn't enough.
But no immigrant should feel disappointed; this was only another step in making change. Now that the DREAM Act has attracted many people's attention, the issue is starting to heat up again. Many believe that the DREAM Act can still go off as a sole bill. We must keep pushing forward and let that momentum from this last debate propel us towards action.
Here is an article from the Washington Times Communities on the aftermath of the failed legislation.
But no immigrant should feel disappointed; this was only another step in making change. Now that the DREAM Act has attracted many people's attention, the issue is starting to heat up again. Many believe that the DREAM Act can still go off as a sole bill. We must keep pushing forward and let that momentum from this last debate propel us towards action.
Here is an article from the Washington Times Communities on the aftermath of the failed legislation.
Monday, August 30, 2010
The Dream
You might be asking yourself- What is this "Dream" that Marc is talking about? Well, for those of you that don't know (which I am pretty certain that not many of you don't), I am talking about the DREAM Act. The DREAM Act is a bill that, if passed through congress, will allow many undocumented students who have gone or are going through the rigorous American education system to achieve their American Dream. They will be allowed to receive In-State tuition, qualify for many scholarships, seek jobs after college, and, most importantly, avoid discrimination.
I've currently asked a couple of students from my local high school if they knew what the DREAM Act is, and about 90% of them didn't have a clue what it was about. Whether the DREAM Act issue is taken positively or negatively by American citizens, in order for there to be any heat in the topic people need to be informed.
Those who do find out about the DREAM Act could be saying, "This is the best idea ever", or they could say, "What a horrible proposal". Either way, my mission is to help people realize the opportunity and massive door that could possibly be opened.
I've currently asked a couple of students from my local high school if they knew what the DREAM Act is, and about 90% of them didn't have a clue what it was about. Whether the DREAM Act issue is taken positively or negatively by American citizens, in order for there to be any heat in the topic people need to be informed.
Those who do find out about the DREAM Act could be saying, "This is the best idea ever", or they could say, "What a horrible proposal". Either way, my mission is to help people realize the opportunity and massive door that could possibly be opened.
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