Maria is American, But That's Not What We Tell Her!
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- Clint Smith teaches in a challenging school. One of his biggest challenges is helping students like the one he speaks about in this poem, the daughter of undocumented immigrants, to get the education she needs to succeed - which is a struggle in her situation, even with a 4.0 average.
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My family brought me to the USA at the age of 7 from Costa Rica. I cannot explain, without breaking out into tears, how painful it is to feel so american but not have the same rights and privileges as my best friends do. I was a great student. I learned English faster than my equal aged peers. As a child i thought "Im just as good as they are. Do i not deserve it? If so...why?" To feel so confused in which country to feel pride in. Every word this man has said i have memorized like a song. I listen to it, re-sight it, to remind me how harsh this nation is. How unwelcoming it is no matter how i was treated back in elementary school. I remember this mans words to remind me that no matter how American i feel, I am not. But maybe one day, with enough money, social status or just simply by getting married and waiting a few years. Maybe one day i can be. The day i become and American citizen, i will cry my eyes out in happiness.
God that every child had a teacher like you - an eloquent and enormous heart - you rock!
Is it just me or does this guy have an amazing voice?
Now that right there, that's a true teacher.
So sad, and we need young people just like this girl!
As a child of immigrants who is fortunate enough to go to university, I would like to take a moment for Maria and pray she finds justice.
as an Asian, I have similar feelings. The standards for an Asian to get into a good college are much higher than those for any other race. like maria, I feel helpless, I have to work harder than them just to get where they are
Read the comments on this www.dailycal.org/2013/02/11/the-ivy-leagues-asian-problem/ and learn a thing or two.
Luigi In order for some schools to achieve a diverse class, they often set a certain percentage of applicants from each ethnicity that they are willing to accept. Although, on average, Asians score higher on standardized tests than any other ethnicity in the U.S. and are often involved with enough extracurriculars to meet the college's standards, thousands are turned down simply because the school refuses to accept more Asians.
www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/12/19/fears-of-an-asian-quota-in-the-ivy-league/discrimination-is-obvious
Here's a giant list of evidence, data, and statistics:
blog.priceonomics.com/post/48794283011/do-elite-colleges-discriminate-against-asians
Luigi most of the negative comments on the page you linked were from you, if you're Luis Larios
yumasiancooking Not that guy but I interned for the Daily Cal. But good points are made. Discrimination against Asians doesn't exist as an ethnic group. I can link plenty of articles myself www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/12/19/fears-of-an-asian-quota-in-the-ivy-league/asian-american-quotas-are-imaginary-need-for-diversity-is-real and www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/12/19/fears-of-an-asian-quota-in-the-ivy-league/scores-arent-the-only-qualification. But I liked this point in particular, how can you claim discrimination to exist if Asians comprise of only 4.8 percent of the entire population in the United States, yet they make up almost half or more of the student body at elite Universities.
yumasiancooking It's obvious that Asians are using the claim of "discrimination" to deal with rejection. But the numbers simply don't add up because they demonstrate that they're accepted at much higher rates than any other ethnic group. So in short, check yourself and your Asian privilege.
I really do love it when you say, "My grandparents came here legally, I don't know why people do this." You say it with such snobbery but don't know why people come here illegally. Do you think people will swim through a river, pay people money to take them through the border and go through all that danger of getting caught if there was an 'easier' way? My parents came here illegally, but eventually got their citizenship. You don't know how much I appreciate my parent's hard work, they lived in a one bedroom apartment with 4 kids at the time, they were making ends meet and still, were determined to be citizens and pay taxes to a country they loved. They left their country in order to have a better future, should we punish these people... Or accept them and make it easier for those determined to be a U.S. citizen?
And these people have a very skewed view of the world if they think that the colonization of America and subjugation of the Native Americans is something to be viewed as "legal". They wouldn't be living in America without it.
It's awesome that your parents have managed to become citizens. And thank you for writing this. A lot of people against undocumented immigrants have no idea how difficult, and just how long of a legal process of becoming a citizen of the U.S is; some people just don't have time to wait for their lives to get worse.
I'm with you. Did not happen to me, but you know what you are talking about. Americans complain about their governement when the realities of places like Somalia and Mexico are a million times worse. THe people, whole families are mudered or starved by the regime, forced into labor camps, disappear. Americans are selfish. And my friend made a point that the reason a lot of these people are on benefits is that they do the lowest paying and hardest jobs to send most of the money back to their families in the home counbtry.
Szaam
Very true, if you think about some snotty white folk who say that these immigrants should "go back to their own countries", well, go back to Europe. But oh, wait....Europe is not the hellhole that these other nations are. Even some (that is descended from France, England and Spain) white folk are the descendents of unethical immigration.
This is just crazy to me because I'd never heard of Clint Smith until just recently when he came to my university (High Point U)! Sooo happy I had the honor of meeting him and especially privileged to have heard this piece and many others presented to us live. Words truly couldn't suffice in describing how powerful that was. This poem is one of my favorites along with "Aristotle" & "My father is an Oyster." Definitely worth watching!!!
"You, who are so-called illegal aliens, must know that no human being is illegal. That is a contradiction in terms. Human beings can be beautiful or more beautiful, they can be fat or skinny, they can be right or wrong, but illegal? How can a human being be illegal?"
by Elie Wiesel
Nobody is saying that illegal aliens are illegal humans. They are called illegal aliens (alien is defined as literally from another country) because their presence in this country is illegal. The country that Maria came from (Mexico) immediately deports all people in Mexico without permission; without trial, without due process, without sympathy. Why should this country to which her parents illegally brought her, be any different
ightwoman So you think fighting fire with fire is the right way? because another country does it?
If so, why do we let people vote? or have freedom of speech? or have access to sites on the Internet who are against USA or tell people about bad things happening in the government? Screw all that, lets prohibit the Internet, and limit TV, Radio etc.! They should only be allowed to listen to government made and approved media.
Other countries do that to their own people too, why should we try to do and be better. It works over there, it should work and be okay here too. why be more human and have compassion for others?
Pff, let other delusional country do that, we take examples from other systems who are, knowingly, corrupt.
As a matter of fact, fighting fire is the most widely used technique used in wildland fires, they are called back fires. But challenging the metaphor is silly. In fact, if a person is in this country illegally, they are an illegal alien. Deport them and let them come here legally. My ancestors came here legally, she cannot say the same.
ightwoman
And here we have a silly little rule in the law.
Syria has big problems now, so lets take them as an example.
If a family from Syria comes here the legal way (like getting a visa before entering) and a family comes here the iligal way (both because of the same reasons: Danger in their homeland), the illegal family is given more right to stay here then the other. The silly difference is, that one of them didn't face danger, because they came here the legal way and took the time and money to leave, while the other did not.
And no, that is not some imagination but sad fact.
And congrats, your ancestors did it, some other parents did it too 2 years ago, just because you inter a country the legal way doesn't mean they will let you stay.
And I still stand by the fact that >no human being is illegal
ightwoman
Yeah, deport them to a place where no doubt they will be executed or taken by the government regime and will have no medical care or access to food.
so powerful!
This just changed my view on this issue. It was already shifting for a while now but this pushed it on the side it needs to be.
Such a difficult subject when one remembers that this is not about numbers but living, breathing, human beings.
He looks like the Avator with the light shining on his head LOL. Great speech though - so deep, true, and eloquent
I think that most of those who disagree with this do it because of the economic implications of illegal immigration. I think we need to make illegal immigration harder, but legal immigration easier-- that way, we help the economy, while promoting productive immigrants, who can then get paid fairly.That way, nobody can use the "illegal immigrants don't pay taxes" claim even though most of them already do.
Define, "legal immigrantion" ?
The unlawful transition from one state or country into another in accordance to the immigration rules and policies set by the state to which one wants to enter. Confusing? :P
Oh yeah, like someone immigrateing here but is on a Visa. And that visa wouldn't exactly last long. So people sometimes have to re-new it, or something like that. I know forsure if i decide to move to Morocco, I'd have to get a visa and re-new it every, more than a few years. Anyways.. I know what u mean
Do not believe the media! Agriculture in the United States relies on illegal immigrants. The government doesn't really want to get rid of them. All the negative coverage of illegals is simply scapegoating an easy target, with almost no voice. It's all bullshit. No illegals? Wouldn't change unemployment one bit, but it would make a gallon of milk cost $7.00. That's reality.
You're absolutely right! In the name of our economy, and that of Mexico, illegal immigration brings in profit. However, a large portion of Americans don't want illegal immigrants because they are willing to work for lower than minimum wage, which drives down the wage of low-income citizens, leaving the citizens out of work. Really, I don't understand what is best. Illegal immigration makes it easier for us to buy subsidized goods, and it's the migrant workers who pretty much do all the farming/produce collecting that we feel we are too good for in terms of treatment, working conditions, and pay. It's the popular notion that they don't pay taxes that annoys the citizens most I feel like because everything comes down to our overall economy.
One of the biggest mistakes we've ever made as humans was dividing the land and naming it. I did absolutely nothing to be born where I was born. How do I have more of a right to be where I am than anyone from anywhere else? We do not choose where we are born. We do not choose the circumstances in which we grow up. Nobody reserves the right to tell someone where they can and can't be. These concepts of King and Country are all in your head. Outside of your head, there are no lines that divide the land.. No lines that divide you from "them".. No natural rights that make you better than anybody anywhere. Get over yourself and realize you're equal to the ones you ignorantly deny.
Plz go say that to North Korea and South Korea. DMZ. Go check it out.
Nice poem, but you still can't sneak into the country and expect to be treated as if you immigrated legitimately. My grandparents came here legally, as do millions of others from all over the world. If this undocumented immigrations happened anywhere else in the world, no one would complain when they were kicked out. Imagine that a country is a house. Even an inviting, kind, generous, decent person cannot be expected to tolerate people who sneak in uninvited.
Maria didn't ask to be brought here. Her parents brought her here at a young age, like me. She couldn't say "No! I don't want to leave!" She didn't know it was illegal. How can you expect a child, a 5 year old child mind you, to know what legal and illegal even means. Yeah sure, blame her parents, they came here knowing it wasn't legal, but don't punish the children who grew up feeling so American. Don't blame the children who where raised in American schools reciting "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United states of America." It wasn't their fault. We were dragged here. We feel pride in the nation that does not know we even exist. We are confused. Should we feel pride in a country we barely remember just because our family says so. Or feel pride in the nation that is everything that we know, and love. We cant have jobs like our legal friends. We cant file for taxes like our legal friends. Even going to the movies, something so normal so easy so american, is hard to do. So go ahead blame our parents for giving us the means to reach American dream. Just don't blame us for trying to strive for it. We belong here, just as much as you do.
To be treated equally, she should have been born on the same piece of land as you? Or should have gone through a system as your grandparents did? A system that you call a house, a house that was forcefully taken from its previous owners. Must these criteria be met before we start seeing others indifferently as humans, like ourselves?
The parents ARE to blame. They had a choice on how to enter this country; respectfully, or not respectfully. And now that they are here they except the citizens of this country to show compassion (or rather take advantage of their compassion) to care more for their children than themselves. Actions have consequences. Take responsibility.
Mike C. You want to use a "house" as an example....I am native (Ojibwa) and guess what, you're ancestors came to my great-great-great grandparents house uninvited.....just sayin'
Immigrating legally into this country was far easier when your grandparents were coming in than it is now. There was a time when you could come through Ellis Island or a place like it, get checked out for health and BOOM, you were approved. It is impossible to become a legal citizen of this country if you are poor. It takes years and years for even the most educated and intelligent people to become fully integrated citizens. The tests we require immigrants to take are extremely difficult, and most Americans couldn't even pass it. These people have no choice but to come here illegally, because we offer them no viable legal route. How can you blame these people?
All these people talking about how easy it is to get citizenship - most of you have never tried to immigrate and you're just spouting nonsense. This is from a government website on immigration-
"See Overview
Submit a Petition
About Submitting a Petition
To apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen relative(s), U.S. lawful permanent resident, or by a prospective employer, and be the beneficiary of an approved petition. A first step in the process is the sponsor filing a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). "
You can't even get a visa to come here (let alone citizenship) without having connections in the U.S. who are willing and able to sponsor you. People like Maria's parents most likely don't have U.S. relatives who are well off enough to sponsor them. That's just the beginning. After you are sponsored you have to go through a lengthy process to become an actual citizen of this country.
Does anyone noticed that a country's greatest wealth is the people who make it? Not gold, not business, not money, but the people? So, theoretically, If I was the leader of a country, wouldn't I want smart hard working people immigrating in order to form a more productive a functional society?
having visited Ellis Island several times, the presentation there claims that only the poor class had to go through the exams of Ellis Island. Most passengers were sailing higher class and were easily processed on the ship and without question, based on the fact they had money, they were let in. Only the poor were treated like cattle. BTW if your grandparents/great grandparents arrived before Ellis Island opened there was no process....it is only about 120 years ago that Immigration regulations got underway. And in large part, those laws were enacted because the newer immigrants were feared since they "threatened the nation", just by being loyal papists and all. (Irish and Italian Catholics)
here is what some of you people arn't understanding. for a person to come to this country legally, it usually takes about 5+ years to get all the paper work and clearance. and that's usually if there is someone whos already a citizen asking for you to come legally. i've had plenty of family come through this method but it took them literally 8 years to be cleared and then 1 and half more to have the paper work finalized and given to them before they could even buy a plane ticket. and at that point, maria would be almost 15. and the chances of her being able to start her life here and be as successful as she is would have vanished. Legal immigration is much more complicated than you may think it is.
We need more teachers like this.
My ancestors came here "legally" because in those days there were no laws. The First Nation tribes that initially encountered them gave them food and land until 1675 when they realized that they were being invaded. One of my ancestors helped put an end to King Phillips War tracking down and killing Metcomet, the panic-stricken native chief who had sounded the alarm way too late. They killed him in a swamp where he hid with his family from the colonists that had had taken most of the land that was once home to his people. By what law was he protected? Don't tell me about your Johnny-come-later ancestors coming here "legally". They immigrated into laws that were imported right along with their transplanted whiteness that was never native to this continent. Human migration happens. In the history of the human race rarely has a tribe or person asked for permission to survive. They do what they have to do - with or without your approval. You would do the same if roles were reversed. You would argue differently if you did not identify with the conquerors even though your ancestors arrived after the conquering was done. It is supreme hypocrisy to think that somehow because you got here after my ancestors had already done the dirty work that somehow you have earned entitlement. Your people were hated somewhere at some time and they wound up here to make it better. With or without laws. Had we learned to live with the people who were already here, imagine how rich our lives would be now instead of white men bitching about keeping what really wasn't ever theirs. I cannot undo what my ancestors have done, but I can at least avoid being a hypocrite about it.
So true!!!
Love this cat
:) You a poet?
:) keep up the good, and always a pleasure to share a poets work
Inspiring.
Keep in mind, we are a country of legal immigrants. Ellis Island has books filled with those who followed procedure, ensured they were following protocol, and were rewarded accordingly for following procedure. Maria's parents broke the law. Maria's mom and Maria were rewarded for years with free education for Maria on the tax payers dime. A consequence for breaking the law must take place. Remember, there are ways to enter this country legally that would not have ended in the same situation as listed. It is sad that Maria is punished for the mistakes her parents made, but maybe this story will deter later illegals from entering the country.
tell that to all the colonists that barged their way in
I'm an immigrant and I agree 100% with this posture. Why should the country reward you for breaking the law? As you mentioned, there's a system in place and it works perfectly fine. In fact, it provides reasonable pathways to residency and ensures compliance with laws of the land.
Now, regarding the immigrant Mexican community, the difference of perception arises due to the law being broken en masse. This provides them the idea that this country is in dire need of their lawbreaking and their causes are just..
The U.S. needs more people that respect it and not people that decide that some laws are there for them to break, regardless of the situation.
David, having visited Ellis Island several times, the presentation there claims that only the poor class had to go through the exams of Ellis Island. Most passengers were sailing higher class and were easily processed on the ship and without question, based on the fact they had money, they were let in. Only the poor were treated like cattle. BTW if your grandparents/great grandparents arrived before Ellis Island opened there was no process....it is only about 120 years ago that Immigration regulations got underway.
Except the "procedure" of the time was you made it to Ellis Island. Pretty much if you made it to Ellis Island you got in.
Rosemary Black
Actually the process before Ellis Island opened was the captain of the ship dropped of a list of passengers at Castle Garden before heading to the dock.
The light that reflects on his head makes him look lk avatar
The thing is the other side of the issue must also be looked at. People are hesitant to give her a spot in their school because that would mean encouraging others to follow in her parent's footsteps and break the law. What bout those who immigrated legally? This problem is a lot bigger than it's face value.
I'm confused, there is no federal or state law that prohibits the admission of undocumented immigrants to U.S. colleges. There are some colleges that require proof of citizenship to attend, but that is certainly not true of every school.
Is this an issue of financial aid? That can be very challenging for undocumented immigrants. However, I worked in the admissions department of a university, and I know first hand that there are ways to make it happen, and that undocumented can absolutely attend college in the United States.
I feel like I'm missing something.
I feel for Maria, but I am NOT responsible for her plight. My blood line were immigrants. We busted our ass to be legal and become legal citizen. My father's side were called paddy my mother's side were down trodden minorities in Bosnia. I feel for her. I know the immigration policies are fucked up. They are NOT color blind. The color is now white or brown, it is green. If you can come here and have a profession...
I sometimes get mad at some of my friends who waste their FAFSA [that they somehow qualified for even though theyre already able] on cars or clothes, yet they barely meet a 2.0... meanwhile, the poor yet hardworking scholars get denied financial aid.... the system should be rewired to help those whose effort clearly show, instead of being based primarily on legal citizenship... i dont see it as a waste of tax money if the scholars' education clearly present themselves to be an investment for the nation...
but what if we give them free education and they just end up moving to use those skills in another country? then sheeesh, balance it with a law that'll "keep their loyalty" here for a certain period of time [sort of like some company internships, they pay for your school but you work for them after].... this works well too because 1) it ensures they reciprocate the nation's inve$tment, 2) the offer should make the countries they leave realize that their losing their top minds, and hopefully encourage them to get their shit together, 3) this is actually a way to compete [or even subdue] other nations who are admittedly leaving the US behind in terms of the scholars theyre pumping out...
but ehh, this is only youtubes comment section, I'm obviously dreaming past the talking heads' political gridlock.. but BY THE WAY... the guy looks like Drake in 30 years lol
Can this please get some more views? This is the truth and more people need to hear how we classify immigrants. It's so wrong and ignorant
For this I don't understand why being an immigrant doesn't let you in. Black People, Hispanic People, and minorities (except asians...) get a benefit when getting into universities. For example, an Asian with a certain score on a test may only get into one school, while a minority with the same score can get into more. To get into a good school isn't just gpa as well. You have to get interviewed which plays a big part.
Woojoo333
LOL! Can you actually back that up with documented evidence? Consider the possibility that what you think you know about college admissions, and "quotas" is completely wrong. That's all I'm asking, just consider that possibility.
Woojoo333 They can't get because they do not have a social security number and they cannot qualify for ANY finacial aid for college.
I would love to interview you!!!!!
no one is stopping immigration. All they want is that it be done legally. It's a plain and simple situation. If Maria wants to qualify for American benefits, she needs to apply to become american. there is a set process to do it, and folks do it all the time. Every civilized country has immigration law and policies, and a lot of them enforce them a lot stricter than we do here.
For many people, there simply aren't viable, legal options for becoming a citizen. The image of a line of immigrants at Ellis Island is a dream of the past that many Americans still believe is a possibility for immigrants. There is no line anymore for the vast majority of people wanting to emigrate.
Don't be silly, she can't apply to become a citizen, there isn't a way for her. If it was that easy everyone would. The problem at hand is that she is stuck in situation by no fault of her own. She is trapped in an under-class where she is denied an education, a job, a chance to class mobility, a chance to an identity. Most of the immigration systems are modeled after the US's and regardless of, it makes none fair, moral, or effective.
this is really sad and beautiful. imagine being that little girl, talk about life being unfair. also, he looks like drake, sorry i had to point it out!!!
I'm glad someone else noticed! Lol I thought I was trippin. He's a great teacher though. It's kinda sad that this video had to be made.
He's the new Avatar, after Avatar Ang and Korra. He has the shiny white arrow on his head. An earthbender origin, possibly?
Now i cannot unsee... LOL
Come colleges, government let Maria into college. You will not regret it. I can because I share her story.
we need immigration reform.....
Couldn’t she got to collage in Mexico and then transfer to collage in the U.S. and begin the naturalization process?
BTW, Mexico has some great universities.
Uh is the girl real? 4.0 GPA doesn't actually mean that much anymore, since it's pretty easy to get a 4.0 in highschool. If she doesn't have the SATs/ACTs/Extra curriculars to help her stand out then it's no wonder she wasn't accepted. Also, how challenging is this school exactly? If the school isn't considered that difficult or the student took easy classes then why would the college want you?
There are people who are willing to change this situation, but there are also people who are willing to spread propaganda and fear that passing immigration reform will somehow take something away from the richness of America rather than enrich us with such talented human beings simply because they are brown. But as Bob Dylan sings, "The times they are a' changing." Soon the browns will outnumber the grays.
I am brown skinned. and I have to correct a few things my colleague Educator said on this video. I agreed with EVERYTHING he was saying until he made it racial. I agree there needs to be something done, but making it racial inflames the issue. What my colleague also neglected to tell this audience is that the Mexican government is doing worse to their Illegal alien problems in their southern border. They have sent the Mexican army to their border and SHOOTING economic refugees coming north to try to get to the USA. Yes but this is not exposed either. As for his student, I agree she should be granted citizenship because she did not know that her parents were committing a crime. Her parents I am sorry to say not so much. Give them a green card but no citizenship. ANY other country would do worse.
I'm so over the slam poetry vocal presentation.
Agreed... No fault to the sentiment, but the presentation is so trite at this point I had trouble watching the video to the end... I think spoken word poetry is ripe for a skit on SNL.
James Clark seriously? maybe (actually, probably) you've been watching too many internet videos. i'm a regular youtuber, and i havent seen a presentation in this style in a long time. get off your ass and go live a life.
You've got to be kidding... Get off my ass and live...? Come on, stop feeding at the trough of drivel and banality (those are probably big words for you I'm sure, you're going to want to look them up before you just pretend to know what they mean) that you are so eager to ingest. Spoken word is ready, and eager to be retired as medium of expression for the truths in our culture. It's become little more that a pretentious way to make people feel significant- clearly it's still working on you. You need to take your intellect for a walk a little more often- perhaps read a book- a whole book, with no pictures.
"illegal" "not illegal" "american" "mexican" aren't we HUMAN at the end of the day? Being brown, black or yellow shouldnt be a detriment to anybody's humanity, yet a lot of us let nationalism and/or our fear of the outside world tell us otherwise.
Although her parents broke the law, knowingly, 'Maria' was too young to know right from wrong. As a child you do almost everything your parents tell you to, because they're your parents.
Yes, her parents Should have gone the legal way, and maybe they did try...
But Maria did Nothing wrong. She listened, and we are taught to listen and obey. So she did, and she was very young.
There should be a law or ruling or exception of sorts, where if the child was too young & was only listening to/following their parents, then they should not have any barriers. They should be allowed to go to college or whatever else they would otherwise be restricted from doing, just because of their parent's decision.
I understand there are numbers and records for a reason, they are important for keeping track of people and our population, and many more things, it is necessary.
But listen here, this is for other issues/topics also:
We do not choose our parents;
We do not choose our appearance when we are born;
We do not choose our names, our guardians do;
We do not choose our gender;
We do not control the earliest things of our lives, only our decisions/directions as we grow older, learn more and understand more. Then we can change Some of those things if we wish...
Point being, Maria did not chose. She should not be punished a decision that was not hers to make, for her parent's mistake/decision. Just not fair. I know, life isn't fair sometimes, actually quite often it is not fair, and that's a fact. But there are things we can help, we can make things more fair for us!!!
***** I'm not here to argue, but that's all anybody ends up doing anyway; to your #1:
I understand what you mean there, and that's probably true
2) I don't think I get what you mean here..are you talking about the girl or her parents? Because for the "ignorance" I assume you mean the parents, I'm sure the little girl wasn't being 'ignorant' she was just very young..and not the best legal defense?? There should not be much of a defense needed, She was only listening to her parents, you make no sense saying that, please explain if it does..and even saying, "neither is ' ignorance of the law' " even if you're talking about her parents, they weren't Ignorant, obviously they knew that they were breaking the law, hahaha not trying to laugh but you confuse me a little..?
3) I know it is not a Right. And yes, maybe she wouldn't have high enough GPA to get in. Totally possible, and it's true that it takes a lot to get into colleges. But that's not what we're talking about here, don't branch off to something else..?
4) I also understand what you're saying here..but I would choose to stay if I were her. Why Shouldn't she be here? Her parents if anybody are the ones who shouldn't be here. She was raised here, she shouldn't have to go anywhere.
5) I have an idea, there should be some special law/program between the U.S and Mexico that allows parents/guardians to send their kids over when they're under a certain age, like IF there is some family or family friends or a family willing for adoption, then they should be able to get their kids citizenship; and while that would suck being separated from their parents, it would be the trade-off of getting your kids U.S citizenship and the possibility of a better life..although since I don't know much on this subject so I'm not sure if that's at all practical or not, tell me where there are flaws in that idea, I'd seriously like a little criticism/info on how some if that stuff works..
***** Exactly!! What you said!
***** But man I Do Understand what you mean, but all a child's ever truly known is where they lived/grew up for most of their childhood; if I was living in this country since I could remember, and I'm lets say 18, 19, 20 or whatever, Where would I go 'back' to? Yes, my parents could tell me where they used to live, which town or whatever..but now I'm supposed to go back there and what get a job and go to school there? A person would Almost have to Start Over pretty much; for a lot of ppl who were brought over here illegally as a young child would they basically have to start over twice in their lives? First time when they're young, so it's not as bad probably, but then once they're old enough do they have to 'go back' to go to college and stuff..? Just doesn't make much sense..that's all I'm getting at man. And I'm by no means anything near an expert on any topics here, this is just me thinking in a general common sense so don't freak out on me if you know more on the topic than I do..
***** No once you deport yourself out of the US willingly, you actually have less of a chance for citizenship. I know cause my friend did that.
Not sure if she's getting into college or not. The problem is what she's going to do afterward... From what I understand the problems only get worse, assuming she has no documentation whatsoever (not sure what the situation is and if she does have a Mexican birth certificate, I feel like that should be easier?). AFAIK schools aren't allowed to reject students based on immigration status (but jobs are, unfortunately for her)
Mexico has great Universities like the UNAM, maybe Maria should study there and after she graduates she can apply for a Graduate degree in the U.S. following the law.
Well aren't you all mighty, what did you do to deserve a spot on the US and a better life? You were just born here, very stupid and selfish reason.
It's grown up Aang from Avatar - The Last Airbender. Thats what it looks like on his head lol
Cry me a river. It took my parents 11 years to make it over here from Soviet Russia, coming to this country with nothing but the clothes on their backs...and they did it the LEGAL way, history buff. If your parents do something illegal or irresponsible, unfortunately it's the child that suffers - it's the way of the world. But if we make exceptions for these bleeding heart cases, then why are there immigration laws in the first place? This teacher is bastardizing his student to make a shaky case against sensible laws around immigration. It would be cool if I could just get knocked up, travel somewhere, and live happily ever after, but the rest of the world doesn't work like that and neither should the US. Side note - if Mexico is as desolate as the comments make it out to be, why on earth would you procreate in the first place?
Why shouldn't we say it's OK? How does your parents long legal process make it the "correct" way? Also have you ever thought that Europeans have a much easier time immigrating? What exactly is it about them immigrating that has you upset, or comparing yourself to them? Does it actually effect you? Is there a reason you feel so strong about it? Congrats on your parents getting into the USA "legally", but that doesn't make them better than anybody else, and honestly doesn't give your family any more relevant of a position than anybody else, in fact less...they weren't natives either (none of us our!), so spare us the self-righteous, bullshit. Nobody fucking cares, and you just come off as a snotty bitch.
The only thing you said that shows even a bit of intelligence; "why are there immigration laws in the first place?" This is a country built on immigrants, built on bleeding hearts, and built on dreams. Obviously you don't understand America yet, so I'll stop now as arguing with you about what this country stands for would be a waste with someone as alien to our culture as yourself.
Yes this country is a nation of Immigrants, but it is also a nation of laws. And yes, many people come here illegally to make a better life for their children, the key word however is ILLEGALLY, While I may feel for people put in a difficult position, I cannot condone breaking our laws. there are many folks who filled out the paperwork, waited in line and did everything the right way who are successful. Should we penalize them because One child was denied a college education because her parents broke the law? Sorry but as cruel as it sound, if you really want to benefit from this country, and give your children a real chance here, get in line like everyone else and fill out the paperwork. otherwise, you are making your children into criminals.
Sorry, but no. You use the term 'illegal' as if it were applicable to more than one individual. Maria's parents broke the law, and while I completely agree with the fact that there are people who followed the right, legal procedure to attain American citizenship, I question why should she, a person who came to the US at the age of 5, be held accountable? Why should she suffer for the consequences of her parents' actions? Why should a person who holds so much promise (i.e. attain a 4.0 GPA in her circumstances) not be allowed to socially progress based on the actions of her parents, in which she had absolutely no choice over because she is a child?
Yousef Ag Uhm No I did not use the term Illegal in regards to a person I used it in regards to an action. The parents made a choice to come to this country and break it's laws. and while I feel for your student, Her parents are the ones to blame here. They made the choice and involved their daughter's life in it. Much like we have many children here who pay the consequences for their parent's choices..whether it be drugs, promiscuity, bigotry, etcetera...it's not fair, but the parents should have thought of that before they became criminals in the eyes of the law. Did they at least try get citizen status for their daughter? or at least Legal alien status? if not, this yet another example of children paying for the ignorance of the parents.
Trista DiGiuseppi yes and it is a criminal conduct you benefit from in being a citizen of the United States.
***** That's the thing, we don't know if they tried but I'm assuming they haven't due to 1 - fear of deportation, 2 - language/cultural barriers.
On top of this, if an illegal immigrant came to the US and gave birth to a child, then the child is a citizen of the United States, regardless if her parents came to the US legally or illegally. So I ask again, why should Maria be held accountable? Because she wasn't born? She was five. I repeat, 5 years old.
I am for prosecuting the parents for their actions, but not her. She did not know what was going on and was too young to make a choice.
So we should punish children because their parents tried to make a better life for them?
We're a country of immigrants building boarders to keep out immigrants
I'm a victim of this video and appreciate this video
Good lord! The comments here! The girl was five years old!!!! Take it out on her parents, perhaps (though I would do the SAME THING if my children were starving, and if you wouldn't you're not much of a parent), but why should she be punished? Sheesh! Some people...
Drake when hes 40 years old
i like how people who state that her parents came here illegally are considered trolls and selfish. Why? She came her illegally. Is it really wrong to say someone who went through the qualifications of benefiting from our country shouldn't have more of an opportunity than someone who didn't? And regarding skin color; many schools deny WHITE students who qualify to have a certain amount of ethnicity on their campuses. Me personally, i do not feel bad for someone who doesn't follow the rules and tries to benefit from our system. I do acknowledge it stinks shes paying for her parents mistakes, but that is the way the world works. Its a tough, nasty place. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. No nasty comments are needed to criticize immigrants, on the contrary, people who disagree with this girls right to college are not necessarily evil or wrong.
This country continues to welcome all immigrants legally.
Mr. Smith,
Does Maria qualify for the Dream Act?
Is there an actual Maria? Does she have a 4.0? Is she trying to get into college and being rejected? It the title accurate, or is this just poetic injustice that works just as well without a typical heavyhanded Upworthy teaser headline?
I've had more than one student not be able to attend college because of his or her immigration status. They might not have been as stellar as Maria, but they were just as American.
*****
Thanks!
Is it because she can't get grant money for school without a SSN, or is it because the schools reject her strictly because she has no SSN (despite having funding)? Just curious as to what, exactly, is keeping her out of college, since I have seen tons of foreign students at the schools I attended.
Catt Dodd In California, students can attend UCs without a SSN, but can get no financial aid. Many private schools however, require papers to be submitted. It is not so much that the school do not want to teach the students, but that students constantly face a risk of deportation.
A very close friend of mine was working 3 jobs to get through UCLA. One day she got rear-ended, and the other driver insisted on exchanging insurance. When the police showed up at the scene, she had no license to provide. She was deported about a month later, after having lived in the US her entire life.
MrDmcgough Correction, students can now get aid at the UC's, since roughly 1 year ago.
So did she get into the college? Is this guy the head of admissions? He just screwed up her chance of getting accepted? This guy is racist. I wonder if he is an immigrant himself. Does this like poetry? It sounded like he was Rapping. Drake lookin ass. I think his name was Maria when he was little. Sweet Maria got a beard now :) so nice. This is powerful stuff.
wat.
The law is the law. When we don't like the law, we need to work to change that law. In the meantime, people who break laws must be punished. It's not open to individual interpretation on a case-by-case basis or you will have chaos and no liberty LIKE THE PLACES PEOPLE FLEE FROM. The end.
It is not about her accent or her brown skin. She came here illegally. Too bad her parents did tell her about it until now. At least she has had the benefit of a good,free,American education. Now this child needs to apply to college as a foreign student,just like many children of professors,doctors,and laborers who come to this country legally but retain their foreign citizenship.She can have the American dream of top rate colleges but it must be attained legally. I am so sorry that this child's parents did this to her.
Dankshasta totally agree with you. i often wish racists could just be lined up and shot.
sydandtaytum I really hate racism too. I am so glad that that is not a part of my life.
ehh, i mean i totally agree with his points and point of view, and agree basically with what the goal of this video is, but the whole thing came off as preachy and melodramatic. ehh not sure of the legality issues, but I went to the University of Michigan and that was one liberal super diverse university that gave millions in student aid to foreign students and encouraged multi culture at the deepest levels. i mean i'm sure this are still issues, but this isn't 1960 america. relax. shit is too much.
Teknuhlawgik .
The difficulty though, comes from the process of getting documented, which can take an unfeasible number of years and lots of effort.
Teknuhlawgik .
Maybe the solution lies in prosecuting the employers who draw people from other countries? rt.com/usa/students-protest-exchange-hersheys/
maybe the problem is youre reading night in highschool... that book is like 6th grade material
Really tough questions, though some of the intolerance in these comments has been appalling. Personally, I am proud that the USA is the foremost country so many immigrants look to when seeking a better world. While I don't think it's fair that a student who excels should ever be shackled to the ground -- lord knows how many "true Americans" sit on their asses and slide by with shitty grades and dubious activities -- I also understand that illegal immigrants can't be afforded every right that a legal alien has. However, in my opinion, there is never any justification for withholding education from an eager student. That is one of the greatest crimes a civilized world can commit.
Well, beginning as a nation of immigrants... that pretty much obliterated and forcefully removed the native Americans to claim the land their own. Not sure if it's the best comparison :I
If Sonia Sotomayor were born in Mexico and not Puerto Rico, would this be her story? How many young men and women do not fulfill their potential, do not contribute their greatness to our society, because of this attitude.
Alexa Nicole You misread my comment. I was commenting about the attitude people have toward undocumented immigrants that Clint Smith so eloquently described. I've met many incredibly talented young people like his students who cannot go on to college because they are denied instate tuition or most scholarships, a loss to them and us. Here's the root of my comment about Justice Sotomayor: Although she was born in the U.S. to parents who are U.S. citizens because they are from Puerto Rico, she lived the life of an immigrant - her extended family largely spoke Spanish at home; she was the first generation to go on to college; she went to substandard schools in the neighborhood her family could afford; she faced racial slurs and prejudice; her family has strong ties to "the homeland;" her culture is neither understood nor valued by the mainstream culture. Yet because of political reasons, Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and her family could move to the "mainland" and have the rights of a citizen. Many equally intelligent HIspanic youth in America today, who happened to be born in El Salvador or Mexico or Bolivia, don't have that benefit. They face the obstacles and scorn that Clint Smith spoke of.
Eileen Kugler Well said, at least now some of the undocumented students can legally hold a job thanks to Deferred Action for Childhhood Arrivals. Being a recipient of DACA has completely changed my world and has given me the opportunity to expand my knowledge and pursue a college degree without the fear of being deported to a country I don't know. My story is somewhat the same as "Maria" I was brought to this country legally at the age of five. I crossed the border with a tourist visa but out oustayed my permit and never returned back to Mexico. I truly appreciate people like you who understand that we are more than just a number and are actual human beings. So thank you.
Can someone please translate this in Spanish any way possible?
+str8todamoney
Cada año mis alumnos leer por la noche de Elie Wiesel. Tras la finalización de la novela yo les asigne la tarea de escribir su propia autobiografía. María llegó a Estados Unidos cuando tenía cinco años. Ella escribió que había que cruzar un río antes de que ella nunca sabía lo que significaba para nadar; ella corrió a través de la hierba alta de la rodilla, como si el campo estaba hecha de minas terrestres, se escondió bajo el vientre de camiones, entre cemento, fertilizantes y no dejar un olor para el perro. Ella no sabía por qué estaba funcionando pero ella sabía que su madre lloraba cada noche para su padre. Ella sabía que estaba empezando a olvidar el contorno de la cara de su papá. Ella sabía que trabajó 18 horas al día solo para proporcionarles alimentos apenas podían encontrar en casa. Ella sabía que lo amaba. Y quería recordar lo que sentía como para mantener a su hija en sus brazos. Pero Mariah era de cinco. Ella no recuerda cómo era la vida en México. Ella recuerda el kindergarten, y duermen superpuestas y la graduación de la escuela media. Ella es más americano que cualquier trozo de tarta de manzana, pero no es eso lo que le decimos. Debemos castigar a Mariah para simplemente siguiendo las instrucciones para ser un niño, que es simplemente escuchando a sus padres. Debemos decirles a sus padres que están equivocados para querer una vida mejor para su familia. Le decimos que un promedio de cuatro puntos no es lo suficientemente bueno. Podemos decir que la universidad no era Mariah significa para las niñas como ella. Nosotros decimos demasiado la piel marrón; nosotros decimos demasiado acento. Decimos de dónde vienes? Nos dicen que no tienen un número de modo que no existe. Hemos integrado la apatía en los párpados de este país, ahora no podemos ni siquiera ver lo que está justo delante de nosotros. Es difícil comodidad alguien para hacer bien en la escuela, cuando la ley les dice que no importa, cuando un número antes de una cara. Qué conveniente que nos olvidamos de nuestra propia historia es un país de inmigrantes que fueron una vez dicen que no pertenecen a un ensamble de caras simplemente esperando a nuestro país a vernos.
***** Thank you so so so much.
De nade,
El gusto es es mio
Your welcome!
this dude looks like Drake
Come to the West Coast! Go to a UC or CSU, problem solved.
2PAC LIVES!!!!!!!!!!!!
This makes no sense. College admission offices are dying for Hispanic applicants because they are under-represented at pretty much every university. Affirmative action makes it easier for his student to get into college.
It makes sense. "You don't have a number, so you don't exist" implies that she's an undocumented immigrant. Without a social security number, she won't qualify for federal financial aid. Most schools also run their need-based financial aid through the FAFSA program, which requires a social security number as well.
In some states, universities ask that all applicants prove citizenship status before admission, and those that cannot are not accepted.
This is not correct.
I am employed by a university and deal with obstacles to admission and retention daily as a part of my job.
First, international and ethnic student recruitment is limited to those with valid VISAs and US citizens. As an undocumented immigrant, Maria cannot provide any university with the information they require simply to process her application. If a prospective student cannot provide a valid social security number they must provide other documentation showing they are in the United States legally. Maria cannot do that.
Second, your perception of affirmative action appears to be based on political dogma rather than reality. To paraphrase the original executive order that placed the phrase into our lexicon, affirmative action is merely a requirement that an entity put in place a policy and system of internal auditing to ensure compliance that prevents discrimination based on race, gender, etc. It is not a quota system. Some entities have concluded that due to the lack of such a policy in the past, the individuals associated with that entity are not representative of the population in which that entity exists. For example, a company may have concluded that their hiring policies did not prevent a racist hiring manager from preferring to hire white people. To solve this, the company might (beyond firing that hiring manager) institute recruitment of minorities in an attempt to find qualified applicants in the underrepresented demographics. Afterward they would institute an affirmative action policy in an attempt to prevent personal prejudices of this kind from playing a role in future hiring. That is, after putting this policy into place, the company would be able to affirm that it had taken action to prevent discrimination in hiring practices.
Maria cannot go to college because our immigration laws are ridiculous. If I could, I would have any 4.0 student who applies admitted, but I cannot if that applicant does not have the required documentation.
There is no quota but there is a "point system" for applicants, and those who are Hispanic or African American get more "points". I missed the part about her being undocumented... so that changes my comment.
Jordan Kale
Not all (or even most) universities use a points system like you describe. Mine does not. Those that do tend to be those with more rigid admission requirements that have to take extra precaution against excluding minority groups due to various factors beyond the university's direct control. It is certainly open to criticism, but it's not the golden admission ticket for these groups that some critics like to make it.
In any case, I think we call can appreciate your acknowledgment that missing the point about Maria being undocumented changes your comment. Since error is so rarely acknowledged in Internet forums, I wanted to reply mainly to note this.
So let's just let all immigrants from all countries come to the US illegally and get financial aid and grants. What could possibly go wrong? Sympathize with her plight all you want, but coming to the US illegally is still illegal. Why should her GPA matter? So if she's got a 4.0 GPA she should skip to the front of the line and bypass everyone entering legally who wants to go to university? Horseshit. This isn't public school or a trip to the emergency room we're talking about...this is university. I'd love to go to Oxford or Cambridge, so you know what? I'm going to enter the UK on a tourist visa and then stay past the limit, become an illegal immigrant, and then they should let me go to university there because I'll have a great GPA. Maybe I'll say I came from a poor family with hard working parents to soften them up. Yeah, I'll let you know how that works out. I'm sure the little girl deserves a higher education and would benefit greatly from it, but what makes her any different from anyone else doing it legally?
That shit was confusing
It's not hard to justify being a bit of a misanthropist after these kind of things, eh?
I want to feel bad for her, but can't because her parents came here illegally.
This guy looks like Drake.
I hate my life
KHALIDDDD
Vote Bernie 2016! #notmeus
Drake?
yo you're stoopid for that
drake