People immigrate to the United States in search of a better life. It may be because of poverty, or oppression, or political asylum, but they know that if they can get here, they’ll have a shot at something better. Depending on the culture, education may or may not be a top priority. If the immigrants come from a place that considers an eighth grade education to be an achievement, there may not be much push for the children to complete high school. Making education important to immigrants may be as simple as explaining that the opportunities are immeasurable with a high school or college education.
All people want what is best for their children. They have some idea of what to expect while living in the U.S. The need for leaving their home country is probably very immediate. They know they can find work there. It may be manual labor, but for someone who is destitute, that’s a good job! As a host country, we have an obligation to help the parent know that their immigration and simple job is only the beginning. Help them believe that their very bright children can go beyond their wildest imagination with the proper education.
Even if the children have to work to help support the family, these students need the school’s support and encouragement to keep working towards a degree. They have to understand that, no matter what is said at home, they shouldn’t settle for anything less than their full potential. A good education will bring the kinds of opportunities the family dreamed of to begin with.