Source #2 Critics See “Chilling Effect” in Alabama Immigration Law

Summary:

Alabama’s immigration law has made it its goal to make every aspect of an immigrant’s life difficult. The school clause of the law however, has become clouded, especially with the mixed signals that the creators of the law are sending. While they claim that immigrants will not be denied a free education, their attempts are still part of a larger scheme to topple the 29-year-old ruling guarantying free public education to anyone, regardless of their immigration status. Critics argue that the law is driving immigrants from schools. Still, the true effects of the law are harder to measure than they seem.

Central Argument:

“The champions of Alabama’s far-reaching immigration law have said that it is intended to drive illegal immigrants from the state by making every aspect of their life difficult. But they have taken a very different tone when it comes to the part of the law concerning schools.” 

The Article’s central claim is that although supporters of the law, have openly talked about the true goals of the law, they have been rather shady when it comes to the effect it will have on children in schools.  While they claim that a free education will not be denied to anyone, they still expect parents to disclose their immigration status as well as their child’s. In the long run, they want to make education a privilege for those with papers and an unachievable dream for those without.

Assertions:

“It is, however, a first step in a larger and long-considered strategy to topple a 29-year-old Supreme Court ruling that all children in the United States, regardless of their immigration status, are guaranteed a public education.”

This assertion strengthens the author’s claim because it supports his claim that although the creators of the law are trying to say that education will continue to be accessible to everyone, in reality, their secret agenda involves destroying this right. 

“Whether the critics are correct in arguing that the law has created a “chilling effect,” inducing families to pull their children out of school, is harder to measure than it may seem.”

This assertion strengthens the author’s claim because it shows just how muddled the law has become. It neither agrees with the critics, nor does it criticize their assertion. It simply argues that the true effects of the law will be harder to measure than previously thought.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/28/us/alabama-immigration-laws-critics-question-target.html?pagewanted=all