Speak up to support the American DREAM

Days before school started, I was sitting in enemy territory on
the USC school grounds wearing a sign that read “Hunger for
Higher Access to Education.”

As a participant in a campaign to bring the DREAM Act to our
politicians’ attention, I was fasting for a week. No solid
foods, just water and some Gatorade. It was a small sacrifice to
make for the 65,000 students who graduate every year facing a
restricted future because they came into the country
undocumented.

The pain of being denied education is tearing their dreams apart
once they realize the reality that they are in legal limbo. In Los
Angeles inner-city high schools, about 50 percent of overall
students drop out, and undocumented students are estimated to have
the highest national drop-out rate. These undocumented students
cannot apply for financial aid, apply for loans or get legitimate
jobs because of their status.

They are students who lack only a social security number. Some
crossed the border with their parents, some are refugees of war,
some just found their way to this country for a better life. The
DREAM Act would allow students who came into the country before age
16, have lived in the United States for over five years prior to
the date the Act would be enacted, have met a scholastic
requirement and have no criminal record to get a temporary resident
status.

Then, after they complete four years of college, two years of
trade school or two years of military service, they can get
permanent resident status.

I personally know several friends in this situation. One had to
leave the country to continue his education; another is a waiter,
but wanted to be an architect. While attending community college, I
was even tutored by an undocumented student.

For me, fasting is my little gesture of thank you. Thank you to
the millions of undocumented immigrants that sweat so our society
can function as it does.

The only problem I encountered while fasting was the location.
Not only were we overwhelmed by the apathetic attitude of USC, but
the aroma of bacon and fries from the Denny’s across the
street was sometimes unbearable. Recuperating was interesting, too
““ I just wanted to go to any buffet line and eat.

To sacrifice the most essential human need for something I
believe in is very rewarding. The DREAM Act has been reintroduced
by Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-UT, and because it is part of a new bill,
the DREAM Act will have to go through the Senate Judiciary
Committee again.

To help ensure this important piece of legislation passes, voice
your concern. Call Sen. Dianne Feinstein and thank her for her
efforts, or call President Bush and let him know you support the
DREAM Act. For the well-being of our society, people must be
trained and skilled to the best of their ability.

As human beings we strive to learn because we are curious by
nature. To take that opportunity away is unjust. If everyone in the
world were educated and had access to higher education, perhaps
people would be intelligent enough to attain peace. We must
remember that education is a human right.

Kim is a third-year student and hunger strike
participant.