Unauthorized Alien Students
Current Law and Issues for Debate
Legalization of unauthorized (illegal) aliens — termed “earned legalization” by supporters and “amnesty” by opponents — has proven to be highly controversial in recent years. It may become even more controversial if economic hard times and rising unemployment rates result in increased opposition to granting legal status to potential competitors for limited job opportunities. Although still controversial, proposals for legalization of the subpopulation of unauthorized aliens who were brought, as children, to live in the United States by their parents or other adults have enjoyed a broad base of support in recent Congresses. While living in the United States, unauthorized…
