Students And Educators Crying Out For Educational Reform.

International educators and students urged representatives on Capitol Hill last week to push for immigration reform as part of NAFSA‘s annual Advocacy Day. Amongst other issues the bill is proposed to provide a direct citizenship path for undocumented immigrants,  comprehensive, ‘commonsense’ immigration legislation and The Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Act, which would fund one million students to study abroad for credit annually by 2020.

The USA's current immigration law was drafted in the 1950's so, needless to say it is extremely out of date and no longer fit for purpose. I thoroughly agree with NAFSA and I am sure anyone in their right mind would also agree when they claim, “Educated students are exactly the kinds of immigrants we should encourage to stay in the United States. We should not force them, before they even start their studies, to say that they have no intention of staying, working, and contributing to the economies and communities of the United States after they graduate.”

A brighter future from the economy is within reach. The USA (and many other nations) need to step up and take advantage of any resources possible to boost the economy. As we all know-sitting on your behind and waiting for radical but necessary changes to take place is a a naive and lazy mans game.  

I know these things take time to change, but this bill has been waiting to be signed by the republicans for seven months already. Despite the efforts of the democrats, republicans Jeff Denham of California, David Valadao of California and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida — have said that they will not sign the petition. Obama remains doubtful that the bill we be passed. 

I am never one to give up, I hope and believe that pretty much anything is possible. It may take MORE time, but I look forward to this type of education reform and many others in the future. We simply cannot keep living our lives by the laws outlined in the 1950's, especially when you take into account the contribution of foreign students to the US economy!

Find out more at: http://www.nafsa.org

Co-Owners Amber Williams & Elizabeth Koukladas
Beala International Studies
info.bearla@gmail.com