Delaney Stevenson

Ms. Gardner

English 10H/Period 4

6 November 2016

Letter to the President

Dear President-Elect,

Current child immigration laws pose a great stress on children and families: reviewing,

revising, and proposing new laws, will ultimately make America a better place.

According to the article Immigrant Children, there are over 18.7 million children

in America who are illegal immigrants. In other words, 18 million future adults cannot contribute or

improve the wellbeing of America due to current immigration laws.

I am Delaney, a sophomore at Casa Grande High School. I am writing this letter because the

lack of child immigration laws has affected and will continue to affect helpless children throughout the

country.

My purpose here is to persuade you that as America's president-elect, you need to eliminate this

issue.

The dilemma is children brought into America illegally cannot apply for citizenship without

the likelihood of being deported. Llona Bray states in the article Can the child of an Undocumented

Immigrant Become a US Citizen, children who are undocumented have no separate set of laws making it

easier for them to become citizens. These children are undocumented; therefore, not having the same

rights as citizens, such as being able to get a driver's licence, or being able to get a job, or being able to

apply for financial aid. By not having the same rights as citizens, these children will be useless to our

country.

Although possible for children to become citizens, the process is painful and persistent. This

process has affected someone who is like a sister to me.

About 8 years ago, my parents and I met a girl named Isabelle. As a young child, Isabelle was
abused by her mom in Mexico. At 11 she was brought to America by her dad, where they were to stay

with friends. Unfortunately, her dad took off after a couple weeks, leaving his little girl alone in America.

This is where improved child immigration laws could have completely changed Isabelles life.

If Isabelle were to apply for citizenship, deportation would be a risk. Isabelle had no one in Mexico, so

the risk of deportation was not an option.

Isabelle was never deported, yet her life was far from easy. No one could find out that she was

here illegally. Because of this, she was never able to apply for a job, never able to apply for financial aid,

and never able to go to college.

Luckily, as she got older her life started to turn around. She married a marine and was able to

get a lawyer through the army. With the help of my family, and support of her husband Isabelle is now

finally a US citizen.

Isabelle's journey was extensive, and took a total of 7 years. So, as president, help the millions

of children out there going through what Isabelle has dealt with her whole life. Do you want those kids to

suffer too?

Luckily, there is a solution - The Dream Act. The article Dream Act, states that The Dream

Act is short for Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors. This law creates a separate system

for children brought to America illegally to become citizens. Also stated in the article Dream Act, the

bill was first introduced to Senate on August 1, 2001 and still hasnt passed.

The article then states the most recent requirements. When a person meets the given

requirements, they are granted citizenship as long as they continue to follow guidelines.

To start, the individual must have proof of entering the United States before the age of 16 and

have continuously lived in the country for at least 5 years. Then, they must have graduated from a United

States high school or obtained a GED. Next, the person must demonstrate good moral character, and

finally, pass criminal background checks and reviews.

If these requirements are met, further guidelines need to be followed. The individual
must attend college or serve in the military for at least 2 years. Then, they must pass another series of

background checks, and continue to demonstrate good moral character. Inability to fulfill these

requirements will result in the loss of the individual's legal status.

I understand why some people might be hesitant going through with this plan. They fear

passing this law will only cause problems, and bring a wave of immigrants into America. But, I assure

you nothing but benefits will come to our country. Think about it. These children are going to be living in

America regardless, so would it not be better to have legal citizens who are able to contribute to our

nation? These children can go to college. These children can get jobs. These children can ultimately help

make America a better place.

So, I am urging you to be the saving grace in the lives of many. Do something about this

problem that is affecting millions across the country. Many want, but few receive. You have received by

becoming president, now help your country. Take the bull by the horns and pass The Dream Act. If you

cannot support those who make up your country, than those who makeup your country cannot support

you. (846)