Immigration Law Reflection
I attended a panel on immigration law and college policy and how it impacts the students of the Alamo Colleges. The panel members consisted of: Don Adams, Carmen De Luna-Jones, Elizabeth Almanza. The panel member where the Chief of Police for the Alamo College District, Student Success Coordinator, and Outreach Coordinator for American Gateways respectfully.
The presentation for the police and student success representatives were factual and helpful. Ms. De Luna-Jones was informative as to the programs and financial aid available to DREAMERS and DACA Students. She also reinforced the institutions policy to provide support for all students regardless of immigration status. Chief Adams spoke about how law enforcement's main objective is to provide
a safe campus to all students. He was also knowledgeable about the implications of SB 4, and how the senate bill would restrict law enforcement leadership from administering their departments as they believe best. At no time did I notice any personal interpretation or bias present in any of their remarks.
The presentation from Ms. Almanza appeared to take on both a personal and professional angle. While she was informative to the support programs of her organization, she seemed to allow her personal bias to show when referencing SB 4. She would refer to the legislation as the racist bill and the show me your papers law. Though it is understandable that Ms. Almanza would be upset over any legislation that goes against her personal world view, it came across as unprofessional and almost bitter in her presentation. Some of the best information presented by Ms. Almanza was in relation to DACA. She would go on to explain how DACA was never a path to citizenship for people, a way for the government to "kick the can down the road".
After the panel I came away with a better understanding of the programs and views of those involved. I agree with the panels visions of supporting all students in their endeavor for an education, and providing a secure place to accomplish it. Anyone at the panel could not walk away with the feeling that more needed to be done to provide a long-lasting solution to the problem of those that were brought to this country by others and know only this place as home. The need for legislation, and not short-term solutions, is needed now to provide a stable foundation for those looking to build a future.
The presentation for the police and student success representatives were factual and helpful. Ms. De Luna-Jones was informative as to the programs and financial aid available to DREAMERS and DACA Students. She also reinforced the institutions policy to provide support for all students regardless of immigration status. Chief Adams spoke about how law enforcement's main objective is to provide
a safe campus to all students. He was also knowledgeable about the implications of SB 4, and how the senate bill would restrict law enforcement leadership from administering their departments as they believe best. At no time did I notice any personal interpretation or bias present in any of their remarks.
The presentation from Ms. Almanza appeared to take on both a personal and professional angle. While she was informative to the support programs of her organization, she seemed to allow her personal bias to show when referencing SB 4. She would refer to the legislation as the racist bill and the show me your papers law. Though it is understandable that Ms. Almanza would be upset over any legislation that goes against her personal world view, it came across as unprofessional and almost bitter in her presentation. Some of the best information presented by Ms. Almanza was in relation to DACA. She would go on to explain how DACA was never a path to citizenship for people, a way for the government to "kick the can down the road".
After the panel I came away with a better understanding of the programs and views of those involved. I agree with the panels visions of supporting all students in their endeavor for an education, and providing a secure place to accomplish it. Anyone at the panel could not walk away with the feeling that more needed to be done to provide a long-lasting solution to the problem of those that were brought to this country by others and know only this place as home. The need for legislation, and not short-term solutions, is needed now to provide a stable foundation for those looking to build a future.