Supplementary Materials

Create a fast track to U.S. citizenship for undocumented students who graduate from high school.

The Problem

Under a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, undocumented children are guaranteed a free public elementary and secondary education. But it is illegal for anyone to hire them and essentially impossible for them to get college financial aid. These young people—more than 1.5 million of them—have few legal ways to advance themselves and contribute to society after finishing high school. With little incentive to get a diploma, it is no surprise that many drop out, creating a substantial burden on the nation's human services.

In all, there are between 11 million and 12 million undocumented persons in the United States, the vast majority from Mexico and other Latin American countries. Many Americans, especially in states bordering Mexico, want Washington to do something about them: In a January 2007 Gallup Poll, illegal immigration tied for third among Americans' top-10 priorities for the president and Congress, trailing only the war in Iraq and healthcare.

The 109th Congress, which adjourned for the last time in late 2006, considered more than 150 immigration proposals. Most focused on punishing illegal immigrants and those who help them. With few exceptions, proposals ignored the undocumented children who came to the U.S. through no choice or fault of their own and have since grown up and continue to live here.

The Plan

Undocumented students who graduate from high school with a standard diploma deserve an expedited path to legal status. It would not be a hand-out or an amnesty but rather an earned opportunity, and it would be a chance for the students to repay the nation's investment in their public education. The promise of legal status would give them a strong incentive to learn English, finish high school, and embrace American life and culture. Giving these U.S.-raised high school graduates a pathway to citizenship is in the public's best interest financially, socially, and culturally.

As citizens, they will pay more taxes and need fewer social services. Legislation aimed at this problem stalled in the last session of Congress. Known as the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM), it would have allowed undocumented students to qualify for instate tuition rates at state colleges and universities. Students who entered the country before they were 16 and who graduate from high school would have qualified for a six-year provisional residency term, during which they could attend college or enter the military. Following that period, these students would be eligible to become permanent U.S. residents.

Fast-track citizenship (as opposed to residency) for undocumented high school graduates would address the same problem, but more simply and efficiently. According to Urban Institute estimates, about 65,000 would qualify each year, substantially fewer than those on the normal track to citizenship, thus eliminating wait lists, delays, and confusion due to processing overload. In addition to graduating from an accredited U.S. public or private high school, they would have to:

• Be under the age of 21;

• Have resided in the U.S. for four or more years prior to turning 18;

• Demonstrate good moral character;

• Demonstrate knowledge of the English language and U.S. government and civics, and;

• Swear an oath of allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.

In other words, they would have to meet even tougher requirements for citizenship than other immigrants. The program would work very much as the military's fast-track program for undocumented students does now. Upon graduation or during their senior year, undocumented students could apply for citizenship, in the same way that they can enter the U.S. military. If they meet all of the criteria, they would be put on a six- to 12‑month expedited path for citizenship. While their applications are pending they would be free to pursue national or military service or employment. They would also be able to attend college shortly after graduation.

The Politics

Immigration will be a pivotal issue in the 2008 election. Many Republican-leaning “red states,” particularly in the South, are experiencing major influxes of documented and undocumented immigrants and are sensitive to the newcomers' social and economic ramifications. To win these states and govern effectively, candidates for the White House will have to go beyond the traditional security and enforcement approach to immigration.

Policies that allow hardworking immigrant children to participate in the economy fully and allow taxpayers to recoup their investments in these students will appeal to the American public.

Granting citizenship to undocumented high school graduates would serve the political interests on candidates from both parties. The public is supportive of undocumented immigrants: A May 2006 Gallup Poll found that 61 percent of respondents said the government policy toward illegal immigrants currently residing in the United States should be to allow them to “remain in the U.S. and become citizens.” And there is ample evidence that new pathways to legal immigration would result in increased federal tax revenues and economic growth.

Fast-track citizenship for undocumented high school graduates would not provide undocumented students with benefits that are not also provided to native-born students. It would not give them direct financial support. Students would still have to qualify for admission to college and for financial aid.

President Bush has declared that “illegal immigration . . . creates an underclass of workers . . . vulnerable to exploitation.” Giving undocumented immigrants who earn high school diplomas a chance to work legally or go to college will ensure that they do not add to that underclass.

Idea Six: Reward Hard-Working Immigrant Students (43K) [download]

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