The Politics of Illegal Immigration, Bilingual Education, and the Commodity of the Post-Technological Society

Abstract

With the increasing number of undocumented workers entering the United States and the costs associated with educating their children, bilingual education may soon become the target of opponents of illegal immigration. Furthermore, recent leftist shifts in Latin American governments have provided an impetus for an educated biliterate population that can build bridges with these countries. This will promote safety for all who live within the Americas, protecting them from acts of aggression and terrorism while promoting commerce and shared progress.

Heliodoro T. Sánchez, Jr. is Adjunct Professor of Educational Leadership at Texas A&M University—Commerce, TX. He is also the Director of Bilingual/ESL Education for the Tyler Independent School District. He has presented research at universities in the United States and Europe, and is published on the topics of advancing the educational opportunities for disadvantaged or struggling learners.

Mary Ann Sánchez is an assistant principal for instruction at Dixie Elementary in the Tyler Independent School district. She has worked as a teacher and a public school consultant, training teachers who educate students from homes where English is not the first language.