Clare
Glenda Anderson, Staff Reporter
THOUSANDS OF Jamaican-born students now classified as "undocumented aliens" in the United States, stand to benefit from an Act which, if passed in the U.S. Congress, will allow them easier access to higher education.
At present, thousands of students risk deportation to Jamaica for immigration lapses, said Irwine Clare, U.S.-based Immigration lobbyist and guest at last Wednesday's Gleaner Editor's Forum.
"About 50,000 to 75,000 students fall into that category. Young undocumented immigrants who cannot go on to tertiary education would normally have been among the persons deported," Mr. Clare said.
CAN'T GET DOCUMENTATION
"These are the groups from which the deportees are selected. They cannot go on to further their education because they can't get documentation to move onto the tertiary level. (And) Even if they are not arrested they cannot access any benefit and they become deportable when they are found."
Recently released U.S. immigration statistics are that Jamaica accounts for 50,000 or 2.9 per cent of the "undocumented alien" population. He said under new regulations post-September 11, young persons may be arrested and deported for charges ranging "from unpaid parking tickets to heinous crimes. They are all treated in the same way."
The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act which was approved last week by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, is set to provide immigration relief for "young people between the ages of 12 and 21 with good moral character who have lived in the United States for at least five years and have earned a high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)."
ELIGIBLE FOR BENEFITS
The instrument will also "allow the students interim legal status while enrolled in higher education, making them eligible for in-state tuition and financial assistance," the National Immigration Law Centre's Web site reported. Some students currently enrolled in college would also be eligible for benefits under the Act.
Backers of the Bill contend that the only crime these young people have committed was that of living with their mothers and fathers.
"They have a human right to pursue their own dreams and not to be punished for their parents' actions. The rest of us also have a stake in the success of these children. Many are talented and poised to contribute to our joint future as teachers, nurses, and leaders. The DREAM Act does not provide them with any special rights. It merely eliminates the artificial barriers that currently prevent them from achieving their full potential," the National Immigration Law Centre Web site reported.
But while the measure should go a far way in addressing the situation which would normally have seen hundreds of young persons targeted by the immigration system, Mr. Clare says more needs to be done by the Jamaican Government in addressing the immigration issue.
"Recognising that our youth do indeed represent our future locally and in the diaspora, it therefore is imperative that wherever Jamaican youth are at risk then our Government has a moral and other responsibility in their wherewithal.
"In terms of helping our students who are undocumented and support for the DREAM Act and Student Adjustment Act: Jamaican and Caribbean governments should enlist the support of organisations involved in advocating and lobbying for pro-immigration issues such as the Caribbean Immigrant Services, Caribbean and American Family Services and Caribbean Women's Health Association, to name a few."
RELENTLESS EFFORTS
He noted that President Vicente Fox of Mexico had been commended for his relentless efforts in fighting for his nationals, and that he always used every opportunity when given access to the American Government and leadership to speak up on their behalf.
"Similar moves by CARICOM leaders would also demonstrate their sensitivity to the need of Caribbean nationals living in the U.S. It would send a good message," Mr. Clare said.
