USHCC Foundation urges Latino students to practice responsible participation in Immigration Debate.

While the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation applauds the willingness and commitment of Hispanic students to take part in the recent anti-immigration discussions across the country, it urges students to practice intelligent and civil minded strategies when voicing their opinions on this controversial topic. “Particularly important, as encouraged by the USHCC Foundation, for Hispanic student’s to be mindful of their actions and not rush into the debate at the expense of their continued education or through actions that take them away from classroom in order to participate in demonstrations or rallies,” said Frank Lopez, President of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “While this issue evokes tremendous personal and passionate viewpoints, we should encourage participation that does not jeopardize student’s status in school.”

Hispanic students have been fighting an uphill battle in the education arena and have struggled for many years within an educational system with significant achievement gaps for Hispanic students. The struggle to close those gap continues today, apparent in the Hispanic high school drop out rate, which still stands over 50% in many states across the nation We ask Latino students around the country to consider alternative ways of voicing their opinions on the immigration debate, and not to pursue strategies that take away from what will have the greatest impact on this immigration debate, the achievement of high school completion and pursuit of higher education.

“Student activism is part of the American tradition that enriches the debate, especially with many Latino students involved,” said USHCC Foundation Chairman Massey Villarreal, “Now is a point in time for Latino student’s to impact positive social change for collective progress of the Hispanic community through rededicated commitment to advancement of educational achievement. However, we are imploring students to find time and opportunities to show solidarity outside of normal schools hours. Education is the great equalizer and we cannot take steps backwards in efforts to move forward.”

The USHCC Foundation urges students to take part in letter writing to their members of Congress and the White House, but not during school time unless sanctioned by their school, urging them to support comprehensive immigration reform that includes the DREAM Act which will ensure continued access to education for Hispanic students. Speak and meet with school administrators to make sure your school supports the DREAM Act and a form of immigration reform that promotes education for all students. Most importantly, if you are 18, register to vote and encourage others to do so as well. As a born or naturalized citizen of the United States, voting is a civic duty and one of the most powerful rights you have. Voting can create waves of change that are more powerful than the largest protest or rally.