However, for many students this year immigration is an important issue that deserves attention, not only from the presidential candidates but from local leaders and young voters.

Alicia Long, 19, a sophomore at George Mason University, will vote in her first presidential election this November. Long emphasized the importance of voting, explaining, “This is our future that we’re voting on.” She went on to say that young voters need to educate themselves on the issues and exercise their right to vote.

Megan Tucker, 23, a graduate student at George Mason, said she understands both sides of the immigration issue. Like many others, Tucker feels there should be more stringent guidelines for immigration but also believes in keeping families together that may otherwise be separated by illegal immigration.

“I agree with both Obama and McCain in that families should be kept together and programs should be in place to facilitate this process,” Tucker said.

While the topic of immigration may not be discussed in presidential debates, LaKesha Anderson, professor of communication, said the college experience opens up the door to expressing oneself in a variety of different ways.

Anderson said it is unfortunate, though understandable, that in this dire economic time immigration is not receiving much attention from the presidential candidates. With the current economic crisis, rising costs of energy and education, and inequities in healthcare, voters are asking questions about their future.

With no quick solution to the problem in sight, Anderson said, “Now, more than ever, it is important that everyone, especially the large number of young voters, go to the polls.” She encourages young voters to express their ideas by getting involved with local campaigns, non-profit organizations and student government. Like Long and Tucker, Anderson is also a young voter.

Like Long, Anderson sees voting as the opportunity to impact the future. “To be the future, you have to make the future,” she said.