A uniquely American dream
Thoughtful people will disagree about immigration policy -- how many foreigners to let in, for what purpose, and what to do about the 12 million illegal immigrants already in this country. That's why sweeping immigration reform has failed again and again. This fall, Congress should think smaller, and figure out what it can agree on, before another year passes with no progress. It might start by considering young people like Lucia.
When Lucia's parents dropped her off at a new elementary school in Los Angeles more than 15 years ago, she didn't speak a word of English. And she didn't really know why she was in the United States. Before the family left Mexico, Lucia's parents said they were all going to Disneyland. Then they arrived here and stayed. DOUGLAS MCGRAY in the Op-Ed section of the Los Angeles Times.
When Lucia's parents dropped her off at a new elementary school in Los Angeles more than 15 years ago, she didn't speak a word of English. And she didn't really know why she was in the United States. Before the family left Mexico, Lucia's parents said they were all going to Disneyland. Then they arrived here and stayed. DOUGLAS MCGRAY in the Op-Ed section of the Los Angeles Times.