Alma Mater, Mater Exulum. Jesuit Education and Immigration in America

This chapter explores both the history and commitment surrounding 225 years of Jesuit higher education in the United States to provide the so-called moral framework of this study. It examines the history of the Society of Jesus in the United States in terms of its relationship to immigrant populations, and discusses contemporary themes which make such a continued commitment to the often excluded and underappreciated population of migrant students viable and fruitful today. It argues that that Jesuit higher education shares a mission and commitment across generations to provide access to education; and in the U.S. context, especially to help immigrant families have an opportunity to earn their share of the American dream.