Legislators shouldn't punish immigrant children

Religious leaders have said immigration is a moral and humanitarian issue and have asked we view it with compassion. It is a message that must not be lost on our Utah legislators, some of whom seem to be considering laws based on fear, rather than compassion, such as the one denying in-state college tuition for undocumented students.

Last week, Catholic Bishop John C. Wester said immigrants are part of the human family and should be treated with dignity. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has called for compassion regarding immigration and welcomes all, including undocumented residents. Our nation's policies have been based on humanitarian principles and promulgated by our religious institutions; we are viewed around the world as holding the moral high ground. Utahns, especially, take pride in upholding our "Utah values" of family, compassion and caring for one another.

We were taught in our schools that we live in the land of opportunity and that with hard work and sacrifice we could realize our dreams. Teachers made us believe in ourselves. I was one of those students — a son of immigrant parents — who had teachers that were tough but gave us hope and taught us to have big dreams. Now there is a new generation of students sitting in today's classrooms with teachers who tell them the same and still give them hope — to work, study hard and succeed.

However, some legislators appear eager to exploit the fear in those looking for vulnerable scapegoats, then use immigrants for political gain. They argue costs. Yet last week, on the House Education Committee's agenda, two bills were passed: One denies in-state tuition to motivated students who will contribute to society, which would have cost the state only $350,000; and the other appropriates $1.5 million for post high school education for prison convicts. The message: Commit a felony and you can get a college education.

Some legislators fail to see the negative consequences of their actions. They not only douse the dreams teachers have instilled in students but, most destructive, demean and marginalize those students. The result is that such policies relegate a group of motivated students to a lifetime of poverty, when they could contribute to our state. There may be another Bill Gates in that group.