Illegal immigrants, or “undocumented workers,” as New York lawmakers like to classify them, were just given the green light to teach children in the Empire State. The state Board of Regents ruled on Tuesday that people who are enrolled in President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals plan will be eligible to apply for teaching credentials.
But the Board of Regents, which sets education policy in New York, made the regulations official on Tuesday after first proposing them in February, saying individuals who came to the U.S. as children and can't become citizens because of their parents' status should be able to teach in New York.
“Today thousands of young people across the state have gained new opportunities,” Board of Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa said in a statement. “Their futures are no longer restricted in New York."
Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia also praised the decision and insisted these undocumented citizens are innocent and should be given the opportunity to succeed.
“They are American in every way but immigration status,” Elia said.
Well, that’s kind of the point. Those who are American both in effort and status, are getting the shaft. They worked hard too – only to see their dreams dashed by an administration that is placing political correctness on a pedestal. Hiring an undocumented citizen means a natural born citizen is going to be denied a classroom of minds to mold.
As Sen. Terrence Murphy (R-Yorktown) pointed out, this new policy also puts military servicemen and women in an unfortunate position, for those who come from out of state already have a difficult time getting teaching licenses.
What about their futures?
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