what teenagers think about immigration

In my world history class in high school we were talking about immigration. Every month the teacher would have the class debate on current events. There were many topics surrounding that the class discussed that day. I didn't think the class was going to be comfortable talking about that topic. The class was had a lot more Hispanic students than white students. The teacher proceeds to ask "who thinks immigration is bad?". No one said anything.

At first everyone was hesitant to be the first one to speak. Then the first girl spoke. she said "I don't think immigrants are doing anything bad so they should stay". Everyone thought that they shouldn't be deported because the majority of immigrants really come to work and provide for their families.

The class discussion was a little boring. Then as class was about to end some says "they should be deported" everyone was upset at what this person said. I was offended to. As people were about to say why they disagree with his statement the bell rung.

The class was disappointed because they couldn't argue their position. The teacher said that the discussion will continue into the next day. Everyone was excited.

I am not afraid to say that I am a proud Mexican.

Santiago Tlazoyaltepec, Oaxaca Mexico

So I went home talked to my parents. I told them what happened in class. I asked for their opinion. It might be a little bias but they think it depends on what their reason is for being in this country. My parents came to work and give us a better future. My parents as well as thousands of immigrants gave up everything they once knew for their children. They did say that the people who shouldn't be here are the people who do harm onto others or criminals. It is because of them that we as Mexicans have a bad reputation.

I went ahead and did some research. I wanted to see what I could find in case I would've had to speak.
Facts I found

So the next day the whole class was ready to argue. Everyone was prepared. The topic that caught my attention the most was "immigrants take away jobs". They don't take jobs away. On the contrary they are entrepreneurs. They start their own businesses and grow. With no help. Some don't know how to speak English yet they find a way to learn and work. Unlike other people who stand around on the corner and ask for money instead of looking for a job. Towards the end of the hour somehow the entire class managed to change his mind.

Hard working immigrants

This was a very touchy subject. Kids were surprisingly interested in this subject and had a lot to say about it. 

Learning about why other people think the way they do is important. So many people get offended when people talk badly about the Hispanic community. It felt good knowing that people of different ethnicity protect each other when people are being racist.