With the 2016 presidential election quickly approaching, Republican candidates are pushing for stricter laws on immigration, including a repeal of President Obama’s executive order that granted amnesty to five million existing illegal immigrants. Donald Trump has gone the furthest with his promise to deport all illegal immigrants and require Mexico to build a wall. In stark contrast, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton vowed last week that she would not deport any illegal immigrants except violent criminals and terrorists.

There unfortunately appears to be no middle ground on the complex issue of immigration. Politicians and their constituents alike are pigeonholed into taking a position as either “pro” or “anti-” immigration, as if it is not possible, for example, to sympathize with illegal immigrants while also advocating for rigorous background checks and other requirements for citizenship. The debate over immigration needs be addressed by its different aspects if there will ever be actual solutions. One such area is the availability of public education for children of illegal immigrants.

Some might argue that if their children cannot be educated, it is less likely that parents or prospective parents will immigrate to the United States. Because thousands of illegal immigrants come to the U.S. annually, seeking a better life for their families, the number of illegal immigrants could be reduced if their children were no longer given the opportunity of an American education. However, some people come to the United States to escape persecution or to find work for themselves, and these people will continue to immigrate regardless of whether their children can register in public schools or not.
The fundamental question, though, is whether the United States really would go so far as to deny an education to children in an attempt to keep out illegal immigrants. The answer should be a resounding no. These children can’t be deprived of an education, the primary vehicle that adjusts them into American society and provides them with the opportunities they need to make a better future for themselves and their families. Instead, new legislation should be created to give existing illegal immigrants and their children a path to citizenship.

Is it fair and just that the children of illegal immigrants are given a public education when their parents are not paying their equal share of taxes? Probably not. That is why the country must create citizenship paths for existing illegal immigrants. Yes, they broke the law to come to this country, but only because they wanted to fulfill the dream of a better life that they know United States has the capability to provide for people. Regardless of how they got here, illegal immigrants are still here today, and it would be unrealistic and frankly heartless to “kick them out.” Therefore, the United States must do its best to help them succeed, which by extension, creates a better functioning society for the benefit of everyone living in this country.