In the autobiographical novel, Letters from Rifka, the main character believes that the US is the 'golden door'. It is the one belief that gives her hope during the time that she and her family were in exile, hoping to go to America. So, to the main character, this is a true statement. However, the reality for modern times, is that while this is still a widely held belief by those who would love to immigrate to the US, the 'golden door' often ends up being an Iron one, in that US immigration laws have become a lot more stringent and exclusive. Most notably, the current legislation surrouding children who are in the US illegally, have gone through the state high school system, and then are not allowed to have in state tuition at the college of their choice....aside from the fact that they may be deported.