“Rooted in the belief that diversity leads to innovation,” Carnegie Mellon implores its students to explore every passion, set out to meet all types of people, and continuously expand one’s perspective. As a student here, I have no doubt that you have experienced diversity on campus and felt its impact, both in dynamic classroom discussions and exciting cultural events.
But what if every international student had to leave? What if their visas were repealed or their citizenship revoked? Hard to imagine? Maybe. Unfortunately, though, this is an immediate threat for thousands of immigrant students attending school in the U.S.
These students are currently in a “legal limbo” after the immigration fight over Obama’s proposed Dream Act, according to a recent NY Times article. Last summer, thousands of immigrant students declared their illegal status in a nationwide campaign for a bill in Congress that would place them on a path to true citizenship. Unfortunately, although the bill passed in the House, it failed in the Senate. Now, these students are out in the open, but they are still here illegally. “I think losing the shame overshadows the fear,” one female student, who came clean last summer, said in an interview to the press. “I’d much rather clarify to the public that being undocumented is just a circumstance I find myself in. I’d much rather have that out in the public than just living in fear.”Her fear is of losing her home. But, what is the fear of America? What is the debate behind immigration?
One of the largest arguments opposing immigration is concerned with homeland security and American safety. Many believe that insufficient border control along the South has increased violence in the bordering states, threatening US safety. In fact, according to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, “FBI statistics show that violent crime rates in Southwest border counties are down 30% over the last two decades and are ‘among the lowest in the nation’”, despite surging drug violence in Mexico. She goes on to state that, “arrests by the Border Control, an indication of illegal crossings, had fallen 36 percent in two years.” Apparently US security is doing much better than we have been made to believe.
In addition, the immigrants are already here, integrated in our society. White children now represent just half of American children, according to a new study by the Brookings Institute on just-released census data. And, the current deportation attempts and policy suggestions are draining federal funds and time. How can this issue be resolved without all the waste?
Rather than fight immigration by attacking those not born here or those brought here by their parents, perhaps we should work on incorporating these people. We must remember why people are motivated in the first place to attempt the risky leap across the border. It is because in America we still garner the hope that dreams can come true, that hard work will allow nascent reward. But, America is no longer alone in its ability to provide this hope. Many nations are burgeoning, prospering beyond their borders. In our future, we want to be the “crossroads nation where global talent congregates and collaborates,” as David Brooks writes in the NY Times, continuing, “It’s more like the competition between elite universities, who vie for prestige in a networked search for knowledge. It’s less: ‘We will crush you with our efficiency and might.’ It’s more: ‘We have the best talent and the best values, so if you want to make the most of your own capacities, you’ll come join us.’” We know all about collaborating rather than impeding. I think it’s time America learns this lesson, too.