The Effect of the Migrant Crisis on American Students and Schools
Last month, teachers in a neighboring district were sent a memo about the "exciting and unique" challenges of the influx of newcomers (migrants) being introduced to the school in the area.
The obvious first issue is that of tax revenue:
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Second, the amount of resources being provided by the federal government for these immigrant students far outweighs those services available to native students. It is frustrating to learn that these families who have entered the country illegally are absorbing much of the state and city budgets that could be used to benefit native students. To see some of the programs made readily available for immigrant students, download Refuge Services. These resources include free housing, free transportation, food stamps, free burial assistance, information on obtaining a peddler's license, free clothing, etc.
Whether it is a free plane ticket, a $5000 gift card, or a place to stay rent-free, these students are being handed a free meal ticket and a free ride. That does not sit well with those of us who work hard for everything we have earned. It also creates the belief that migrant students (as well as families) can take advantage of the system since the federal government has given them everything they want, and don't have any accountability for paying it back. These immigrant students are being taught the wrong lesson. Scripture tells us "If you don't work, you don't eat" (II Thessalonians 3), but these students are learning entitlement. That breeds complacency and teaches native students around them that they are playing by a different set of rules. This type of reinforcement has led to a decline in the work ethic of immigrant students. |
Video of migrant women admitting they did not realize that citizens were paying for them to stay rent free in a nice hotel with bed service and 3 catered meals a day.
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Third, many of these illegal immigrant families are coming from countries where education is not as important, and neither is the rule of law. No country can maintain a rule of law, if its people do not respect the laws. Everyone must commit to respecting laws, legal authorities, and the rules set up in schools and cities to keep everyone safe and secure. The rule of law functions because most of us agree that it is important to follow laws every day. That is how most native student families have operated, and expect children to follow as they enter the halls of the school. This author has experienced students from Central America who drive to school under age, without insurance or registration, park in illegal areas in the community and routinely break the law, without any repercussions.
These particular students are setting a bad example for native students. Which begs the question: if migrants get away with it, why would Americans have to follow the rules? Why would they need to go to class if the migrant students are in the hallways running amok and ditching? If migrant students don't deem education as important, why should native students?
Whether you are a parent of a little one in grade school, or a teenager in high school, reinforcing the morals and values upon which our country was founded is more important than ever. American culture is being diluted by the lawlessness and values of other countries that were not built upon the same principles.
These particular students are setting a bad example for native students. Which begs the question: if migrants get away with it, why would Americans have to follow the rules? Why would they need to go to class if the migrant students are in the hallways running amok and ditching? If migrant students don't deem education as important, why should native students?
Whether you are a parent of a little one in grade school, or a teenager in high school, reinforcing the morals and values upon which our country was founded is more important than ever. American culture is being diluted by the lawlessness and values of other countries that were not built upon the same principles.
Not all crimes and lawlessness are indeed the direct result of migrants. Native children have also grown up in the last several years witnessing race riots, vandalism, protests, controversy, and many other elements that have numbed them to the truth, doing what is right and just in the eyes of the law, and in the eyes of God. One educator said eloquently, "The environment and climate for effective teaching and learning are increasingly undermined by a culture of chaos such as laziness, lies, stealing, bullying, vandalism, unruliness, intolerance, and other forms of school-based violence. Parents play an important role in encouraging and shaping good habits, especially around such things as respect, rule of law, honesty, accountability and manners in their children." Many migrant families intend to contribute to society and work hard. At the same time, there are natives here who have bought into the idea that the government will take care of them as well. |
Either way, our students are being affected by the increase in lawlessness. Studies show that a country's peace, wellbeing, economy and lives are better when the rule of law is observed. Doing what's right according to the law of the land, the appreciation of those around you, and doing the right thing when no one is looking all equate to a better country and community.
This country can be saved, but it takes spending time reinforcing the elements of society that we learned when we were children:
- Telling the truth
- Respecting elders, leaders, teachers, and staff members
- Politeness - saying please and thank you
- Obedience to parents and adults
- Observing the law and honoring police officers and those in authority
- Being strong in who you are and not swayed by the actions of others
- Understand that laws and rules keep us safe
- Remembering that just because others get away with breaking the rules, does not mean that it gives me the liberty to do it
- Walking in integrity might not be popular, but it is right
Getting involved locally:
There are many different ways that citizens can get involved in the educational process. Schools are asking for participation in many different ways. The schools along the corridor have made school board meetings readily available for the public to watch and participate in. Together, we can contribute time and attention to our young people. Below is a list of opportunities:
-Attend a board meeting (virtual): Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail
-Run for school board positions
-Write your local superintendent
-Attend a board meeting (virtual): Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail
-Run for school board positions
-Write your local superintendent
- Bennett * Mrs. Robin Purdy
- Strasburg * Mr. Dan Hoff
- Byers * Mr. Tom Turrell
- Deer Trail * Mr. BJ Buchmann