By Juan Carlos Ramirez ’18
THE ROUNDUP
Although undocumented students can obtain some sort of financial help for college through some scholarships, they are automatically ineligible for federal grants due to their residency status.
However, many students have made significant contributions to this country that they view as their home, and every student who has lived in the United States two to three years should qualify for federal grants.
One example of these deserving scholars are DACA recipients or DREAMers.
DREAMers, who are undocumented minors brought to this country illegally by their parents, should have every opportunity to obtain financial help like any other high school student.
Out of the 50 states, there are only 18 states that provide in-state tuition to the DREAMers and undocumented students with certain requirements.
This only creates an extra obstacle for these young people who want to further their education.
Out of the 690,000 Dreamers, roughly 65,000 will graduate from high school, but fewer than 6,500 will go on to attend college.
According to U.S. News & World Report, this is attributed to lack of guidance and financial support.
If a DREAMer is able to display greatness in their school, then that student should have the opportunity to achieve the financial support of a grant.
If we expect them to eventually contribute back to our society, then we should be able to allow these student to apply for federal grants.
This would allow a possible increase in admission of DREAMers and can have a positive effect on the community.
While these immigrants did not come here legally, that does not mean these kids have to suffer because of a decision that they had no part in making.
Most of these teenagers who graduate from high school have lived their whole lives in the United States.
Most of the DREAMers have to go through extensive background checks and a clean record to be approved as a DACA recipient, which means that these scholars are idealistic Americans because they embody what a good citizen should be.
Like other Americans, these individual should receive financial help through the federal government.
