Millions of people leave their countries each year. Some are seeking work.
Others are refugees from war or civil unrest. Some are trying to escape
persecution, while others are attracted to freedoms or comforts in another
land. Some people want a new start in life or a chance to reunite with their
families. Every nation has the right to control who crosses its borders. Very
often the process of applying for legal entry into another country is long,
complicated, and expensive, with no guarantee of success. While many immigrants
have the time, the resources, and the connections to migrate legally, millions
more face great barriers. Often desperate to escape such conditions, many
people, including parents with their children, enter other countries illegally.
The presence of young people who are undocumented non-citizens raises
fundamental questions for democracies about the difference between the rights
of citizens and the rights of all persons in a country—particularly regarding
government services. One flashpoint for this debate is public education.
This unit focuses on whether a democracy should extend government support for
higher education to young persons who are in the country illegally. It looks at
the rights of non-citizens in the United States and other democracies, and it
focuses on the right of children to an education. It also examines The DREAM
Act, a proposed federal law that would permit unauthorized alien students who
had graduated from U.S. high schools to receive loans for college. The unit
also presents a discussion model called “structured academic controversy” for
exploring the facts, arguments, and options surrounding these issues.
Focus Question
Should our democracy extend government support for higher education to
immigrants who - as young people - have entered the country illegally?
Objectives
Cite publicly funded education as a governmental benefit that citizens expect.
Distinguish between rights enjoyed by all persons and privileges reserved for
citizens in a democratic society.
Understand the importance of education in preparing young people to participate
in the national life of democratic societies.
Analyze the reasons for supporting and opposing government support (e.g.,
in-state tuition)
for higher education of immigrants who have entered the country illegally.
Identify areas of agreement and disagreement with other students.
Decide, individually and as a group, whether governments should extend support
for higher education to immigrants who have entered the country illegally;
support decisions based on evidence and sound reasoning.
Reflect on the value of deliberation when deciding issues in a democracy.