News

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Badgers return to rink at home

Summer's sport overlooked, under appreciated

UW receives $3.1 million federal grant for financial education research

Badgers meet Spartans in conference opener

Diversity forum discusses 'inclusive excellence' at UW

SSFC denies CFACT funds for third time

Lt. Gov. candidate Kleefisch treated for cancerous tumor

Custody feud results in double stabbing, domestic violence

Trask confident in struggling squad, set to face alma mater

Police horses get rowdy, stomp on cars

TIF Review Board OKs Edgewater funding

Flaming utility truck causes explosion

Badgers drop third straight Big Ten match

Just keep DREAMing

The elusive American Dream—thousands struggle to find this invisible finish line every day, but many run out of steam before making it far enough. For some, this dream is money, and for others it's fame. But for even more it is something with less glamour and a little more merit, something that pays in intellectual property and acceptance. For thousands of children of illegal immigrants, the American Dream is that of education and citizenship.   Unfortunately, the DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) Act that would aid in making this simple wish more obtainable was stalled in Congress just under a week ago.   The DREAM Act is intended to make it easier to achieve citizenship for children who grew up in the U.S. and want to go to college or serve in the military, but are impeded by their illegal immigrant standing.    It allows that if an undocumented individual goes to college or joins the military for two or more years, they can gain conditional permanent residency status for six years. This means they can get a license, go to school and basically act as a normal American for six years. These years also count towards their permanent naturalization requirements so long as they stay out of trouble during that time.    This act is attached to a $726 billion military defense bill that also contains a clause to repeal the ""Don't Ask, Don't Tell"" policy for gays in the military.  Many of those who voted to stall the bill did so because they do not think the DREAM Act belongs on it.   Sen. Lindsey Graham R-S.C., says the act ""has got absolutely nothing to do with our national security."" That's  where I disagree. If we are going to continue sending our young men and women into danger to fight for their country, we will need all the numbers we can get behind us. Not to mention, retired Lt. Col. Margaret Stock believes ""the demographics for the future [of military recruitment] are not looking very bright."" So if people who have been living and working in this country, regardless of status, want to risk their lives and thank the country that has been good to them, who are we to tell them no just because of an identity they didn't even choose?   The age group of illegal immigrants that this act advocates for had no real choice in being made illegal. It is for those who were brought here unlawfully at the hands of their parents. If you were told that your family was packing up and moving to a country where you would be considered illegal, when you were just six years old, you probably wouldn't question it or try to resist your parents.   After the move, you would try to fit in to your new community. Most children do this by attending school.  Illegal immigrants' children do this because they want to belong and their parents only want the best possible education for their children.    The way the parents immigrate or pay taxes to fund this schooling is a completely different issue for me. But why should we punish the children who didn't truly have a choice in their wrongdoings for such things?   Also, we should always advocate for making education accessible to everyone. Educating our youth, or even giving their life a direction via the Armed Forces, can do nothing but improve quality of life for everyone in the future. The more we are informed and supported, the more we can learn to give back to the country that made us who we are, and even possibly make improvements in the countries where we came from.   Some Republicans claim this act was added in a last-ditch attempt to gain waning Latino support before November, perhaps instead we should question if Latino support is down because we have always failed to help them and their families in the past.   These kids with inherited statuses did not choose their lives, but they are choosing to make them better. Today's children are the future so let's make sure they have one.   Jaime Brackeen is a sophomore majoring in journalism. We welcome all feedback. Please send all responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com.  

Milwaukee in top five poorest cities, according to Census

Proposed rail station presented to Urban Design

UW System receives grants for adult students

Letter to the Editor: Student voters are truly important

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Eating humble pie at the Overture

Looking back, my Sept. 24 column advising the city against taking ownership of the Overture gave the management of the center for performing arts a bad shake. I'll be the first to admit my wording comes off strongly, and in some cases unjustly critical of current Overture administration.