People with wealth and privilege often have access to more education and are exposed to other cultures through travel. As a result, they tend not to always follow some of the more traditional cultural practices of their group. The expectations set for many immigrant girls, particularly those who come from low social-economic communities, are to get married and have children. In some communities, girls are expected to get married at a very early age, sometimes as early as 13 or 14 years of age. Many of these marriages are arranged and some marry men 10 to 20 years older.
Education can be a great source of liberation for people who are disenfranchised.
Immigrant girls can be a great resource for themselves, their families and our nation if they receive the best education we have to offer. That is precisely why the discussion of this topic is so significant. I hope that in our dialogue we can further clarify our thinking on this topic and be inspired and energized to do more to educate immigrant girls so they become full participants in our society.