[jbdlfan]

As for the motivation of the students I have had, the Puerto Rican, Colombian, Mexican, Dominican or Haitian have been across the board a more motivated student academically. There are cultural issues regarding boys vs girls that I have realized that do affect the situation. The reason they are low is generally a result of language. I have always pressed my district to test my students in their native language first to determine deficiencies, but hey, it seems folks at the top have education are smarter than the people in the classrooms. (argument for another day)
It will take significant resources and willingness to secure the border. I really don't have a problem with the fence but I will leave that up to the people that live and work there. They know best. As has been mentioned, unless something is done regarding the drug cartels, not much will change. Just my two cents, won't get you much.