For many, the stories of immigration begin and end at the United States border with Mexico.
However, a deeper look into the subject reveals new and everchanging immigration policies that are not only greatly affecting Wisconsin residents but students we share the halls with every day.

Multicultural advisers have seen once-thriving students excited about their future endeavors slowly languish with a very real fear: deportation. In the past two years, they have worked with students who have become scared, depressed and anxiety-laden with fears of having family members deported or facing the same fate themselves.

Much of this chaos is the residue of the country’s current administration’s clumsy attempt at reform. The last major immigration legislation was the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. This effort by President Ronald Regan legalized 3 million immigrants, increased opportunity, and reduced crime by 3% to 5%. Unfortunately, among other things, the law failed to specify the fate of children born to undocumented immigrants. In 2012 the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) attempted to address the matter, however, it was canceled by the new administration. Litigation regarding the matter continues. In the meantime, some of our students, (even those going through the process legally) are living in complete fear of being sent to countries they know nothing about.

Issue number three of the Times will celebrate Hispanic culture and heritage. In addition, we will explore the subject of immigration and its effects on MATC students and our greater communities because the issues are closer than you think.

Write to us!
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to express their opinions and reactions. Email your letters to [email protected].