June 6th, 2008
No, Your New Classmate is Not a Terrorist
It can take decades for a mainstream stereotype to be dispelled in American culture. Whispers among college campuses about terrorists from Iraq sitting next to you in a composition class have rattled some students’ nerves.
Several Iraqi students have earned the unique privilege of an F-1 student visa to study at selected U.S. colleges. (And, yes, they have to undergo background checks and several interviews with the consul at the U.S. embassy and again with a representative from Homeland Security.)
Rest assured – Iraqi students want to learn, just like you and me. They do not have some ulterior motive for coming to the US. What would you do if your college campus was bombed to shreds and some of your professors had died in roadside shootings? Where would you go if you wanted to continue your education?
Here’s the kicker that’s really bothering some Americans: the students from Iraq have 100% tuition assistance through Iraq Student Project. Granted, it’s usually only a tiny increase in student fees at larger universities, but it just rubs some American students the wrong way. Especially after the reduction of loan opportunities for students at community, for-profit, and non-competitive colleges.
Why would U.S. colleges actively seek students from Iraq? Well, those of us in education usually believe that the more people you’re educating, the better. And statistics prove that the higher education that people earn, the more likely they are to make empowered decisions about their individual future and be stronger contributors to their community. So, it’s not only an ethical responsibility but a belief that providing education to war refugees is helping the world as a whole be a more educated and better place to coexist. Heck, why wouldn’t you want to invest in that kind of global future?
I have to say, anyone who is bothered by full scholarships for refugees whose lives, families and country have been torn apart–by us–is clearly not getting the full benefit of their college education. IMHO.
Comment by Calliope — June 6, 2008 @ 2:49 pm
I agree with the author that for Iraq to pull itself out of the mess we created for it, education is the logical first step. Rebuilding Iraq is more than infrastructure and dissident silencing, it is education.
Comment by btmayo — June 7, 2008 @ 9:23 am
You’d be amazed that some of the U.S. professors are even against funding for refugees. What kind of education is fostered at those universities?
Comment by uni.versatility — June 8, 2008 @ 3:05 pm
Did you see that the new president of the American University in Iraq left Northern Arizona University after allegations of sexual assault?
Comment by tnaylort — June 11, 2008 @ 12:04 pm