Illegal immigration has been a hot-button issue in the United States of late, and equally loud voices from opposing camps seem to have brought lawmakers to a standstill on immigration reform. Those awaiting change in support of illegal immigrants, however, may recently have seen it circumvent Congress and seep into courts informally.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the overall rate of illegal immigration deportation has increased since President Barack Obama took office in 2009. There is, however, one demographic to which the White House has extended a merciful hand: students.
Though the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not enacted any official changes to immigration policies, it has, on a case-by-case basis, been opting to suspend or cancel the deportation and detention of illegal immigrants who are students, the New York Times reported in an article published Aug. 8.
Some Republicans believe the administration should not be hand-picking which illegal immigrants should be deported, as leniency could potentially weaken overall enforcement against illegal immigration.
Others commend the DHS and await Congress's passage of the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, which would enable more than 700,000 illegal immigrants — aged 12 through 35 — to obtain Conditional Permanent Residency of six years, leading to Legal Permanent Residency and later U.S. citizenship.
University President Lawrence Bacow is among the supporters of granting legal status to illegal student immigrants and signed a public letter on April 14 in support of the DREAM act that was given to Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Scott Brown (R-Mass.).
Director of Public Relations Kim Thurler, explaining Bacow's rationale for supporting the DREAM Act, said that students are often not to blame for their situation.
"Such students are often in this country illegally through no fault of their own," Thurler said. "They deserve an opportunity to gain legal status through education or public service."
The DREAM Act would not pardon all illegal students; only those who entered the United States before the age of 16, have been present in the country for at least five consecutive years prior to the act's enactment, demonstrate good moral character and graduated from high school would qualify under the act.
To maintain Conditional Permanent Residency, applicants would have to commit to a minimum of two years of higher education or enlist and serve in one of the branches of the U.S. Military within six years.
Still, Thurler stressed the importance of advocating for real policy change — and not just circumvention of existing laws.
"The most effective way to change a policy one disagrees with is to develop and advocate for a better policy," she said. "Public officials may have a range of views on any subject but they are open to the voices of their constituents. It is important that Congress and the Obama administration hear from many people on the subject of the DREAM Act. One person or institution can make a difference by attracting others who will support the bill."
For some students and administrators, the campaign for the DREAM Act has been a cooperative effort.
Sophomore Suzanne Lis, a member of the Somerville Movement of Dreamers, played an active role in bringing the DREAM Act's lack of support to the Tufts administration's attention; in response, the university used its resources to promote the legislation on a wider scale.
"I had a very positive experience with Bacow's support for the DREAM Act," Lis said. "My contact with Public Relations and their subsequent support with media was consistent, efficient and transparent. DREAM Act awareness is spreading at this crucial and exciting time, and more public support only amplifies that."
Although Tufts does not have a formal policy regarding illegal immigrants, immigration status is not a criterion considered in the application process, Thurler said. This policy of non-discrimination against students with illegal status is in line with Tufts' commitment to diversity and specialization in the area of international relations, according to Thurler.
"One of Tufts' strengths is the diversity of its community," she said. "We are fortunate to attract students from around the world. They strengthen the quality of a Tufts education for the entire community. All applicants for admission must meet the same academic requirements in order to be accepted to Tufts."
Sophomore Alexandra Geada applauded the university for disregarding applicants' immigration status.
"It should not matter if you're an illegal immigrant if you've been living in the States your entire life and you want to build and assure your future through education," she said.
The Obama administration's recent leniency toward illegal student immigrants, Lis said, is a recognition that many students in the United States illegally came to the US as children, have learned to regard it as their country and will invest in its workforce, communities and future.
"There is no need for their deportations; on the contrary, there is a need for their continued presence and talent here," she said.
