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Our young immigrants have a lot to offer. They are motivated and hard-working, and in many cases have already contributed significantly to our society - by excelling in school, by volunteering in their communities, or by serving in the military.

Yes, many immigrants cherish the value of choice and opportunity and the value of education more than 7th or 8th generation Americans.

Americans want students to get the best education possible. We want schools to prepare children to become good citizens and members of a prosperous American economy.

My parents regarded school teachers as higher beings, as did many immigrants.

If we don't empower families to be able to have a quality education, then their children - for the first time in American history, truly the first time - will not have the same economic opportunities.

I understood from a very young age that school was important and that my parents were making great sacrifices for me. Every morning I saw my father get up and go to a job that he didn't really like. They came to France for the same reasons all immigrants move to another country - so their kids could have a better way of life.

Education makes children less dependent upon others and opens doors to better jobs and career possibilities.

There's lots of institutions and lots of different cultures, and so that's the kind of thing that parents need to be able to evaluate, and students themselves, when they make a selection.

I grew up in a Chinese family where the parents' No. 1 priority is the kids' education.

Every parent wants to do what's best for their child. Whatever I can afford, I'm going to get my kid the best education I can get.