Under the proposed DREAM Act, college students who are classified as illegal aliens could become eligible for U.S. citizenship.

Even though the Obama Administration is deporting a record-high number of immigrants who have been convicted of crimes, they recently leaked a “draft memo” which discussed different ways college students could avoid deportation.

“In a world of limited resources, our time is better spent on someone who is here unlawfully and is committing crimes in the neighborhood, as opposed to someone who came to this country as a juvenile and spent the vast majority of [their] life here.” explained John Morton, the head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The purpose of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act is designed to help illegal immigrants who are honor roll students, star athletes, talented artists, homecoming queens, future teachers and doctors, or U.S. soldiers apply for their U.S. citizenship. The Migration Policy Institute estimates that approximately 726,000 “young immigrants” could become “immediately eligible for legal status” under the DREAM Act. However, the bill has been stalled in Congress because not everyone is keen about undocumented college students qualifying for green cards.

According to a report published by Educators for Fair Consideration, titled “An Overview of College-Bound Undocumented Students,” most undocumented college-bound students entered the country illegally as children with their parents, lived in the U.S. for the majority of their lives, and can speak English fluently. Apparently many of these undocumented students fail to learn about their illegal status until they apply for a driver’s license or a scholarship, or enroll at a college or university.

It is estimated by the National Immigration Law Center that approximately 65,000 U.S.-raised students who qualify for the benefits of the DREAM Act graduate from high school every year. However, only 7,000 to 13,000 of these undocumented students pursue a college or university degree because of the cost of education and the fear of being deported.

Experts state that undocumented students who graduate from high school actually “consume more in services than they contribute in taxes.” But according to a 1997 report released by the National Research Council, undocumented students who have earned a college degree could actually save the government money if they find employment after graduation.

As Sen. Debbe Leftwich (D-Oklahoma City) boldly stated, “Why invest all that time and money if we can’t help them complete their education and get a job?”

In order to qualify under the DREAM act, illegal aliens must have:

• Entered the United States before the age of 16
• Been present in the United States for at least five consecutive years “prior to enactment of the bill”
• Graduated from an American high school, obtained a GED, or was accepted into an American college or university
• Been between the ages of 12 and 35 during the time of the application
• A “good moral character”

Once the applicant has been approved and granted a Conditional Permanent Residency, they must either enroll at a college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree or higher, or enlist in the United States Military.

However, the DREAM Act’s website clearly states that it “DOES NOT include any language about in-state tuition.”

States that currently offer in-state tuition to undocumented students are California, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Undocumented students from these states can qualify for in-state tuition if they attended a high school in the state for at least three years prior to graduation and obtained a GED, however, this varies depending on the state.

To read up on the various state laws which specify how undocumented students can qualify for in-state tuition click on the following links:

• California
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Nebraska
• New Mexico
• New York
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington

To read up on other state laws which prohibit undocumented students from receiving in-state tuition click here:

• “Financial Aid and Scholarships for Undocumented Students“

Billions in ‘Remittances’ Sent Back Home; Could They Cover Tuition?

If all the Hispanic students suddenly enrolled in college tomorrow, they would likely outpace enrollment for nearly every other population of student. There would also likely be economic disasters in more than one Latin American country.

Hispanic students comprise the largest group not enrolling in college. This lackluster claim to fame fuels all kinds of debate among higher education experts, especially elusive: Why?

Hispanic student statistics on high school graduation and college enrollment (2002):

• 52% graduate high school (outside GED; compare to 78% white students).
• 20% graduate prepared for college (compare to 40% white students).

Leading factors suggested for low Hispanic enrollment include:

• Low test scores and GPAs.
• Family and job responsibilities
• Language barriers
• Lack of proper college preparation/guidance
• Poverty

Education experts “mostly middle to upper income whites” tend to explain the low college enrollment rate with very canned symptoms. Most of these bypass (read ‘ignore’) a much more profound and primal cultural priority; family remittances.

Aid Sent Home Rivals Revenue of Top Corporations

Doubt the meaning of family remittances? Millions of Hispanic immigrants working in this country send money back home to impoverished family members. According to some reports the value of money sent from the U.S. each year to relatives in countries such as ‘Mexico, Brazil and Colombia,’ is nothing short of crucial foreign aid, which (alarmingly) exceeds the aid provided by the U.S. By 2010 the estimated amount of remittances annually is expected to reach $100 million, the biggest chunk of it going to Mexico.

“Remittances have benefits at all levels of Latin American economies – virtually keeping some poorer countries afloat.” (BBC)

Does Remittance Equal Dollar Value of College Tuition?

Does this mean that if the U.S. provided ample economic support to poverty-stricken Latin American countries that maybe Hispanic families could use their money to put children in college? One report says that of those Hispanic families that send money back home most send “between $100 and $200 per month.” Simple math puts this between $1200 and $2400 a year, the latter close to the cost for community college tuition, according to the national average ($2,272, College Board).

Why not just take out student loans? Another oft-ignored cultural anomaly is the perception of debt among most Hispanics. A recent survey of students’ perceptions of financial aid and debt showed that Hispanic students thought college not really worth the value and considered loss of jobs and debt high costs to pay for a college education.

Western Union’s Corporate Influence Could Sway Education Attitudes

As far as remittances go, senders rely on wire services, such as Western Union, one of the larger services. The billions of dollars that criss cross the globe everyday may also be symbolic of the fees attached to such services. A few years ago, Western Union could charge $9 for a wire transfer “which would add up to another formidable chunk of change taken from pockets that could use it for education” once again. But business is business and competitors have crashed the high fees. Now transfers cost more like $3.

WU’s Corporate Responsibility website advertises its projects in countries such as Mexico where it supports a ‘sustainable job’ program. In the U.S. WU participates in the JAG program (Jobs for America’s Graduates, Inc.); a high school literacy program. And the company sponsors educational scholarships, (although I fail to find a link to an application or any detailed information). Companies such as this possess huge potential to influence their customers.

Tide Will Turn

Evidence points to changes in Hispanic college enrollment regardless of continued debate, and regardless of continued challenges: studies show Hispanic students are the largest population to attend large urban high schools, which typically denotes disadvantaged, at best. Statistics continue to show active gains in Hispanic college enrollment, the most rapid growth of all ethnic groups: enrollment has increased by 68%, with significant change for the better at four-year institutions.

Change takes time. No one is able to automatically shift cultural beliefs and norms, though we like to believe we can. The practice of family remittances proves a deep loyalty, drive, and hard-working ethic. Imagine such priorities divided equally between family and education.