Itzel Polo Mendieta, a 22-year-old immigration advocate, spoke to an audience of mostly Elon University students about her work with The Other DREAMERs, a group of young Mexican migrants who have been deported from the United States. The group’s members have lived and studied in the country, but often they find education does not translate across the border.
On average, the U.S. government deports 400,000 immigrants each year. Placing the figure in context, Mendieta asked the audience to imagine Raleigh disappearing. According to Mendieta, the majority of those who are deported are young people who find it difficult to continue their education in Mexico.
“They were brought to us by their parents many years ago, and are now being thrown out of the U.S.,” Mendieta said. “Their dreams are interrupted.”
Mendieta and The Other DREAMERs want to prevent deportation and disruption in their education. At the beginning of her talk, Mendieta urged the audience to sign a petition, which asked President Barack Obama to pass immigration reform, particularly the DREAM Act. Many of those in attendance obliged.
“One of their greatest obstacles is not being able to access the educational system in Mexico,” Mendieta said. “This is a chance for many young Mexicans to study here."
But as Mendieta explained, the DREAM Act is not for all immigrants seeking to stay in the U.S., regardless of documentation. Certain criteria must be met. To qualify for U.S. residency under the DREAM Act, the person in question must have arrived in the U.S. before the age of 16, maintain a certain income, studied at a high school or university and be without a criminal record.
Though Mendieta praised the potential of the DREAM Act, she remains concerned about the number of deportations taking place today.
“There have been more deportations in Obama’s administration than ever before,” Mendieta said. “Many of those that have been thrown back into Mexico would have liked to be a part of the DREAM Act.”
The congressional passage of the DREAM Act would benefit student immigrants, she said. But its jurisdiction ends at the border. According to Mendieta, Mexico has strict policies regarding the transfer of credit from American institutions.
“Mexico will count only a year and a half of high school studies,” she said. “It’s almost as if you had not gone to high school.”
The Mexican Department of Education’s revalidation program requires an official transcript, with a state seal. Community college and university credit is usually not recognized.
A government-administered test is an alternative for those wishing to continue school, but Mendieta said she believes it to be bleak, especially for “Americanized” Mexicans.
“Young people from the U.S. may not speak Spanish or know how to write it,” Mendieta said. “They don’t feel like Mexicans anymore.”
Mendieta said she believes the test is quite difficult, but those without the proper documentation have little choice.
“In order to work, you must show that you have studied,” she said.
Without the job security that comes with a degree, many young Mexicans work in call centers, answering phones for mostly American corporations. The typical daily wage there is 50 pesos, or $3.87.
“Getting a job does not solve their problems," she said. "Really what they want to do is continue studying. I wouldn’t want to spend my whole life answering a telephone.”
For some in attendance, the evening was an enlightening experience.
“I didn’t even know about the DREAM Act,” said freshman Erin Luther. “It’s always interesting to hear the perspective of someone outside the U.S.”
Others felt called to action. Senior Thomas Price said he wants to unify student organizations such as Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and Student Democrats to accomplish larger goals.
“If what you’re hearing is disturbing you, come talk,” he said. “We can do something about this.”