Still Struggling with the Term Illegal

Two weeks ago I kind of scratched my head in dismay over learning of a school that was giving reduced tuition fees to illegal immigrants. I briefly discussed it in my blog post What Does Illegal Mean Anymore?, and now, we have US governors signing bills to do pretty much the same. I am sure this is not new news, since the immigration issue has been a long battle politically; I guess I just haven't seen it appearing like this so much before me previously.

The thing that strikes me the most, is that they use the term "illegal" to describe these people, yet they just gloss over it like it means nothing. California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill this past week that would grant private financial aid to be given to illegal immigrants to attend California's public colleges. And this is supposedly only part one of a two part "California Dream Act" for illegal immigrants. The second bill, AB131, would allow illegal immigrants to receive state funded scholarships as well as financial aid.

Brown states ""This is one piece of a very important mosaic, which is a California that works for everyone." I'd like to know what he means by everyone? How does it help those whose money is being stolen to fund illegal activity?

So, how is it that a US governor, sworn to uphold the Constitution (yeah, I know, wishful thinking), would allow illegal activity in his state without seeking to do anything about it? When these illegal immigrant student walk in to sign up for funding, why are they not immediately scooped up and taken to deportation? I know the immigration argument is a lofty one; I just do not get how we can say something is illegal openly, then condone it openly. What other "illegal" things are we as citizen allowed to do and get rewarded for it? I'd like to know, so I can start taking advantage of these things myself.

This "California Dream Act" is not to be confused with the federal "Dream Act" which seems a bit more "legal" in that it seeks to include a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants. The California Dream Act is a package that was authored by state Assemblyman Gil Cedillo, who says he admires the students without legal status because of the obstacles they have had to overcome, and that allowing students to qualify for private scholarships and financial aid is one step that will help them get through college. He says "Public education in this great state and this great country is a great equalizer of society." Unbelievable, that is all I can say.

It seems not only does the good assemblyman not have a grasp on the meaning of "illegal," but he likewise seems ignorant of what society means. A society is a group of people living together in an ordered community. Order is established by rules and guidelines, i.e. laws. Laws determine what is legal and what is illegal. Illegal activity is punished, not rewarded, right? Again, it just seems so unbelievable.

Now do not get me wrong, I am all for immigration, I have no issue with people coming to our country; but let's enphasise the "legal" part instead of rewarding the "illegal" part.

What are your thoughts on the matter, and if this became common across all state, how do you think it might affect you as an employee in the education field?

Jeff McCormack resides in Virginia Beach, VA. where he works as a web designer by day. In his off time he is a husband, father, mail order book store manager, and musician. Aside from being a freelance writer for this Education Jobsite blog, he also seeks to assist in career choices and information by contributing to other Nexxt blog sites.