An Elusive Dream

We all know that as Americans we are blessed with tremendous advantages that most of the world cannot enjoy. Among those are freedom to be who we want to be, multiple ways to be happy, and economic opportunities galore. I often wonder what life would be like had I not be born an American. Many in our nation today are experiencing that reality. They are the children of illegal immigrants who arrived in America without citizenship. They have lived here for many years, and often they cannot speak their native language any more. They are primarily Hispanic. They are pursuing an elusive dream for full citizenship in the U.S.

Before the vote in Congress on the DREAM act, many discussions took place on television and radio on the topic. I listened to one such talk show on NPR, "Talk of the Nation," on the afternoon of Dec. 16. Host Neal Conan was totally convinced that the act would be defeated and, in my opinion, rudely said so to one of his guests named David. The listener would hear the disappointment in David's voice; it was almost to the stage of depression. Conan turned out to be correct; the vote was lost by five.

As is my personality temperament, I can see and sympathize with both sides of the argument. Opponents of the act say it is simply amnesty and bypasses those who have been waiting for years for citizenship or permanent residency. My son's friend just received her green card after twelve years in the country. On the other hand, I believe I could also argue for the opposing viewpoint. Conservatives tend to say that their argument for pro life centers on the idea that the child is not responsible for the decision of the parents. Yet they cannot seem to extend the same argument to children of illegal immigrants. I cannot imagine not being a full resident of the country I have grown up in and love. Why not extend grace to those who would serve our country in the military or who would have a chance to earn college degrees? While the vote was relatively close this time, I believe the elusive dream will become a reality in the near future.