Editor’s note: At Chavez Elementary in Back of the Yards, third-graders learn to write persuasive essays by sharing their opinions on topics close to home. As an entry point for immigrants, especially people arriving from Mexico, Back of the Yards has large numbers of undocumented residents and Dreamers, or children who were brought to the U.S. early in their lives but lack the immigration status to receive federal college aid or work legally. During the Obama administration, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status was created to allow these young people to attend college (though without federal aid) and work legally, but DACA remains a precarious legal fix. In February, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Lindsay Graham introduced their latest version of the Dream Act, which, if passed, would allow Dreamers to earn lawful immigration status and eventually become U.S. citizens.
Below, Chavez teacher Lindsay Singer shares some of her students’ essays on the subject and accompanying artwork.
Dreamers Should Stay, Says Melanie A.
Did you know that 1.8 million people’s lives could be ripped away? My opinion is that Dreamers should be able to become citizens. My first reason is everyone deserves a chance. My second reason is immigrants deserve a safe life and should have an opportunity to stay in America.
My opinion is that dreamers should become citizens. I think this because everyone deserves a chance. My evidence is they came here to have a safer life and better life.This is important because if the DACA program ended,many people’s lives would be affected, and they might not have a place to call home any longer.
My claim is that Dreamers should be citizens.I think this because immigrants deserve a safe life away from any harm. My evidence is DACA recipients can go to school, get a job and even get a driver’s license. This matters because immigrants deserve a safe and full life and should have an opportunity to stay in America.
In conclusion, Dreamers should be able to become citizens. My first reason is everybody deserves a chance. My second reason is immigrants deserve a safe life and should have an opportunity to stay in America. It would make a difference if you tell your Senators, parents and friends that we should make a law to help Dreamers have homes, go to school and have better jobs!
Dreamers Need Jobs and School, Says Christopher V.
Did you know that millions of Dreamers should have a home and a job and a chance to go to school? My opinion is that Dreamers should be able to become citizens! My first reason is that people may not be safe or have a good life before coming to America. My second reason is that people should be able to go to school and get a job in this country.
My opinion is that Dreamers should have a path to be citizens. I think this because people may not be safe or have a good life in their home country. My evidence is Dreamers just want a safe home. This is important because millions of people are not safe and millions of people don’t have a good life.
Secondly, my claim is that all Dreamers should be able to become citizens. I think this because Dreamers should be able to go to school and get a job. As of 2017, more than 800 people enrolled in DACA were serving in the military. Surveys of people enrolled in DACA from 2019 show that 58% of those who responded moved on to a job with better pay, and 40% are attending college. These surveys show that Dreamers want to go to college and be the best they can be. This matters because every single person’s life is going to be affected.
In conclusion, my opinion is that Dreamers should be able to become citizens. My first reason is that people may not be safe or have a good life before coming here. My second reason is that people should be able to go to school and get a job. It would make a difference is if you help spread the word about this all over the world.
Dreamers Deserve a Chance! Says Jessica F.
It is important that all dreamers have a chance to achieve their goals. My claim is that all dreamers should become citizens. My first reason is that they should get a change in life to live in safer homes. My second reason is that they need to have jobs to support their families because they are suffering and it is not their fault!
My claim is that all dreamers should become citizens. I think this because they should all have a chance to live in a home near safety. My evidence is immigrants coming from far or near or across the world, all deserve a safe life. For example, millions of dreamers are living here in the United States to find safety. This matters because dreamers should be able to become citizens!
My opinion is that Dreamers should become citizens. Additionally, I think this because they can have better opportunities here. A 2019 survey of Dreamers showed that 40% of those who responded were attending college, and another 46% had already complete a bachelor’s degree or graduate school. This is important because everyone should get at least one chance to achieve their goal.
In conclusion, my opinion is Dreamers should become citizens now! My first reason is they should get a chance at achieving their goal. My second reason is that they should not have to suffer for it and they should get safe homes. I want you to call your friends, family, mayor, lawyers and President Biden to help!
Lindsay Singer
Latest posts by Lindsay Singer (see all)
- All These Third-Graders Are Saying Is, “Give Dreamers a Chance!” - April 28, 2021
- My Chavez Students Are One in a Billion - March 3, 2020