<p>Discuss an issue of local, national, or international concern. Why is this issue important to you? How do you think it should be addressed? (approximately 500 words)
The culmination of my hard work was finally put to test. College admission was just around the corner. Id narrowed down my choices, and was ready to complete the applications. Some of the tuition price tags seemed daunting, but there was always financial aid. The only problem, however, was that I still didnt have a Permanent Residence Status, or casually referred to as green card. My family had applied seven years ago, and the process is still prolonging. I made numerous trips during the school year to the Cleveland INS for fingerprinting and other procedures. Each trip made me more anxious as to whether Id get the green card. In states like New York and California, it takes at least six years to gain permanent residency. This wait is further hardened by putting pressure on the worker by not allowing him to switch jobs. Any job loss or promotion would put the process back at square one. My dad had to fight to keep his job during the employment reduction period that took place at his workplace. He was more concerned with our status than his employment. </p>
<p>However, the troubles I face as an immigrant student are almost trivial to those faced by the millions of undocumented students in America. These foreign-born students often arrive illegally in the US at a very young age. While they are aware of this move, they are unaware of the legal aspects. They may excel in academics and sports and contribute to the community. When they reach to time to evaluate their future, however, the students realize their illegal status bars them from moving to the next level. Sadly, their talents and intellectual abyss are left to decay.</p>
<p>As a measure to combat this problem, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) proposed the DREAM Act to the Senate in 2002. The act will break the financial barriers for students aged between twelve and twenty-one who have lived in the US for at least five years to qualify for in-state tuition and financial aid. They must have a high school diploma or GED in order to receive this interim legal status for six years. With this interim status, the students are able to function like a legal resident by being able to obtain licenses and traveling through the country freely. If they show strong moral character during these six years, students are then eligible for a permanent legal status. </p>
<p>Most of the 50,000 undocumented students who graduate high school each year seek education at a higher institution. But with the soaring tuition prices, they were unable to attend. As a person who strongly believes in this cause, I took action by signing a petition affirming the DREAM Act. However, this Act can only be propelled by conscientious citizens who believe these students be given another chance. I also tried to help the cause indirectly by working at the International Institute of Akron during my junior summer. The Institute provided legal counseling, ESL and computer classes, and childrens programs. I taught the computer class for refugees. Most of my students had never seen a computer. The class focused on very basic computer skills. I also tutored a Venezuelan student in writing. These experiences helped me see all the different challenges immigrants face. I also realized that illegal immigrants cannot obtain legal advice from such Institutes. The children along with their parents must live in the shadows without any opportunity to succeed. </p>
<p>The current immigration law puts many high caliber students at a tragic loss. Their dream of attending college and becoming a citizen is crushed. The students took no part in their parents decision to immigrate illegally. Therefore they should not be subjected to the same penalties. Moreover, education is a human right. This right has already been manifested by the unlawfulness faced by African Americans attending higher institutions. America must not make the same mistake twice, and by passing the DREAM Act, students may once again be able to walk towards their goal. There should never be a barrier to success.</p>
<p>Criticism appreciated. One good thing though. Word Count: 701!!</p>
<p>Thanks</p>