“The Strain of Illegal Immigration on Our Education System: A Closer Look”
By Marla Benavides
"The Strain of Illegal Immigration on Our Education System: A Closer Look"
Years ago, I worked at a middle school as a paraprofessional.
Paraprofessional’s in my state are teacher’s aid, staff aid’s, any kind of aid. They are the jack of all trades for school’s. Yet, paraprofessional’s as a whole are minimum wage workers. This is standard protocol for all paraprofessional’s regardless of education.
While I believe we should forge a path to legalization in immigration, I don’t believe we should reward illegal immigration. Someone’s got to pay. Some politician, in my state, perhaps all states, I don’t know, want to give amnesty to people who have committed a crime. An illegal Peruvian lady the other day was pardoned. She committed fraud by using someone else’s identity. Should we be pardoning for committing fraud? What if it’s your identity that was stolen?
Early in the millennial era, I worked as an immigration paralegal. Most illegal immigration came from South America –people who overstayed their visas. Many illegals also came from Mexico for economic opportunity. Less than 50% came from Central America. Many who came from South America were of wealth young people who crossed the border legally –overstayed their visa to get a piece of the American dream.
“Tens of thousands of migrant (most are undocumented) children from Central America are in public schools. Many educators are working to support them, but the intensity of their needs can be a strain.”
The strain arises from the fact that many of these migrant students are undocumented, and a significant number of them have educational gaps due to their circumstances. These students often come from economically disadvantaged families who cannot afford to have a single book at home, and their parents may be illiterate.
During that period, El Salvador had recently experienced a major earthquake, leading to the issuance of temporary visas by the U.S. government to allow Salvadorans to stay in the country. However, this policy was lifted during the Obama Administration, prompting many Salvadorans to seek ways to remain in the U.S. They had become accustomed to the way of life and the opportunities available in this country, including the freedom to earn a living and own property.
Our country is indeed remarkable, offering incredible freedoms and opportunities. However, it’s crucial to remember that with great freedom comes great responsibility.
Now, let me shed some light on the immigration process. When individuals seek any type of visa, they are typically required to demonstrate their ability to provide for themselves financially. This is a fundamental requirement. If they cannot demonstrate self-sufficiency or lack a sponsor, their visa application may be denied. The exception is when individuals apply for asylum, where they must prove a well-founded fear for their lives on political, religious, or criminal grounds.
While most school administrators are welcoming toward undocumented children, it can become a challenge for educators to simultaneously address the needs of legal migrants and those of undocumented students. This dual responsibility places an additional burden on educators.
**The Strain of Illegal Immigration on Our Education System**
Last year, I sponsored a German high school student. In our contract, she was responsible for her own expenses while staying with us. We welcomed her into our home, treating her as part of our family for a year. Initially, everything seemed fine. I outlined the house rules and gave her space.
However, problems arose when she continuously stayed in her room with the door closed, often on her phone, and rarely participating in household chores. The agency we worked with strictly prohibited excessive phone use and extensive communication with friends and family back in her home country. By mid-October, I was hoping for her transfer to another family, and thankfully, it happened.
This experience made me reflect on the importance of following rules. Why should we admit people who don’t adhere to guidelines? Instances like this place a burden on host families and can result in increased taxes as governments deal with these challenges.
Moreover, it’s vital to consider the strain that illegal immigration puts on our society. Teachers and paraprofessionals are already overworked and underpaid, and addressing the needs of undocumented children further compounds their responsibilities.
Education isn’t a constitutional right but rather a parental responsibility. As a homeschooling parent, I firmly believe in this principle. While some may argue that undocumented children deserve free education, our government’s primary duty is to protect the rights outlined in the Constitution.
Illegal immigration poses a significant burden on our system. Just because individuals have faced traumatic situations or come from countries with high crime rates doesn’t justify illegal entry. Most countries don’t tolerate such violations, and the United States should be no exception.
When seeking a visa, individuals must demonstrate their ability to support themselves, and failing to do so results in denial—unless they appeal for asylum, requiring proof of life-threatening conditions.
Undocumented children face numerous social, emotional, and academic challenges. While it’s essential to address their needs, it’s equally crucial to consider the strain on our education system and the additional burden on educators.
The U.S. Constitution grants certain rights to legal citizens. Illegal immigrants have the right to due process, which means a speedy and public trial, but not the same rights as American citizens.
Our government functions based on the separation of powers, with Congress making laws, the President executing them, and each branch retaining its independence. Burdening the Executive branch with issues like immigration impedes its ability to execute its duties effectively.
Illegal immigration is a complex issue, and everyone has their opinions. However, it undeniably places a significant burden on society and violates U.S. laws. These children find themselves in a legal limbo, with the overwhelmed immigration system taking up to five years to determine their fate.
If Congress doesn’t address these issues, we risk creating a permanent underclass of exploited children. It’s unfortunate that children suffer the consequences of their parents’ choices, and it highlights the need for comprehensive immigration reform.
Now, the question arises: Why should taxpayers bear the cost of educating illegal immigrant children? Why further burden our schools when educators are already stretched thin?
In 2019, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported that only 37% of Colorado students read proficiently. Instead of overburdening our teachers with teaching undocumented children to read, perhaps we should focus on improving overall educational standards. Let’s fill our homes with books and read together.
I invite you to share your thoughts on this matter. Comment below and let’s engage in a constructive dialogue.