F1 students, a better way to pay for school!

Many American citizens find college financing a very difficult task, most file for financial aid to help with the economic strain of college tuition; some rely on grants and or loans. International students on the other hand receive very little if any financial aid and are not allowed to work to pay for their school expenses; for they must show they have the funds even before the visa is granted. Mark Kantrowitz says: “You will need to show that you have enough money to support yourself”, warning the student to be prepared for what is ahead if accepted. Applicants must demonstrate financial stability; this means they must have an institution, or individual who is willing to cover the students’ expenses, and cost of living throughout the applicant’s studies. These financial facilities rarely occur in Latin America.

I believe, the number of young illegal immigrants will decrease if student visa holders are given the opportunity to pay for their own expenses, because it would be possible for more people to afford a student visa, allowing more people to come to the United States as legal students. Most immigrants come to the United States with a wish for a better life. Many often see illegal immigration as their last resort after being denied of a visa. Most illegal aliens would choose to become legal, and to improve their education therefore these individuals would obtain a better job if given the opportunity. Most individuals who wish to apply for a student visa are rejected due to insufficient funds, and lack of sponsorship.

I believe, that if these liberties and accommodations are given, the employers of such international students should be in contact with the immigration office, this way immigration offices could keep track of such students. Students would only be allowed to work if enrolled in the minimum course load for full-time student status.

Many would say; why should we facilitate the immigration to the US?, and why should we give immigrants a chance to enter our work force? I will respond as a resident student that comes from a family who supports a 22 year old F1 student Visa holder. If such student comes to the United States and completes their studies; knowledge and skills will be acquired, with this knowledge there would be no need for a person to go back to their undocumented ways. With skills and education in their sleeves, many of these students are now qualified to go back to their country of origin and be top picks for jobs in their field. Now many of us ask; why should we let them enter our workforce? Well the sad truth is undocumented workers already hold a position in our workforce, the main differences would be that they would now have to pay taxes like everybody else and it is more likely that these people would be able to obtain health insurance; this way taxpayer’s money would not pay for undocumented workers who attend public hospitals.

Although my proposal is not near perfection, something must be done to decrease the number of undocumented immigrants in our work force and in our public schools. I must say that before a radical step like the one I proposed is taken the workers and students of the US must be helped first for they are now struggling to fund college and find a stable job.