By Christopher Mata, Noemi Ramirez & Ricardo Villafan Staff Writers
Way back when America was first discovered, it was called: “The New World.” It was called the New World because it was a land of opportunity, it was a place where people could seek refuge. As it grew it became known as a melting pot. People of a
ll different cultures and ethnicities made a home for themselves in America, from, Italian, Asian, Middle Eastern, to Hispanic, German, Native American. It truly was a fast-changing time.
Now that the history lesson is over, new pending legislation if passed would basically nullify the America that once welcomed international students to study here and exchange ideas. The legislation basically takes away the expiration date on non-immigrant visas for international students and replaces it with an actual time period of stays such as days, months, and years. International students would need to gain new approvals at each level of study here. For example, a student moving from an undergraduate to graduate program would need new approvals.
To apply for a new visa, a person would need to apply a year in advance, according to a Feb. 5, 2020 Forbes report, and the cost of trying to get an extension for a visa could potentially be $1,500 or more, the article stated. That is a lot of cash, especially when taking into account all of the expenses that typical college students have.
“When people come to the US, they have the right to learn in some way the same things as we do,” said General Studies senior Daniel Stocker.
Without the new legislation, international students would be able to continue their education easier in America, without struggle or worry.
Proponents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement argue in their proposed rule change that this will be a positive change for America by not causing confusion to prevent people from overstaying their visas.
“It restricts certain nationalities from being able to attend school. I think that that would be a huge mistake because our country was founded on diversity,” said Rodney Nixon, an Indian Trail ESP.
Not only is this going to affect students directly, but it will also impact other people indirectly — people who have made friendships over the years with people not naturally born in America. Now those friendships may be at risk.
“What if one day immigration comes and knocks on my door looking for me or my parents,” said Kenosha Military Academy Junior Maria Ruiz.
Many students at Indian Trail have friends from across the world. Some are powerful lifelong bonds. To just cut them off would be cruel and unethical. People are naturally drawn to each other, it doesn’t matter where they are from, or what color they are, or what their beliefs are. If two people are able to find solace in each other’s company, then what makes it just to pass a rule to separate two people with that kind of bond?
To prevent this type of oppressive legislation from being passed, people need to speak up.
“They could talk to state legislators, congressmen, senators, file a petition, write letters,” said Rodney Nixon, a Kenosha resident and Indian Trail security guard.
For the people questioning if the acts that are suggested will work, it will.
“They have to listen; that’s their jobs,” Nixon said.
Which is entirely true. The people who have power in the government are expected to listen to the people they represent. It is the entire point of a democracy. America was formed around the idea that the people of the country vote on what is to be of their home.
“Most undocumented students want a better future than what their parents had and in order for them to get that better future they need to go to college,” Ruiz said.
People and students from around the world have been able to call America home. Now that gift is being ripped away from them.
Not many people know about this new pending legislation. Using social media to inform more people about it would be helpful. The public could be made aware and contact their legislators to make sure it never passes. As a community, people can make the future of America so much better.