Oklahoma’s state superintendent is suing the federal government for costs related to educating immigrant children in public schools
Oklahoma City: So, here’s the scoop. Migrants were waiting in a dust storm back in May, hoping to get processed at the border. Fast forward to now, and Oklahoma’s state superintendent, Ryan Walters, has decided to take action. He’s suing three federal agencies over immigration enforcement, claiming the Biden administration is putting a financial strain on Oklahoma schools.
Walters and the Oklahoma State Department of Education filed this lawsuit in federal court. They want the government to cover the costs of educating immigrant kids, but they haven’t specified how much money they’re after. You see, public schools have to educate all kids who enroll, no matter their immigration status.
In a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris, Walters mentioned that Oklahoma needs nearly $475 million to help with the costs tied to undocumented immigration. He’s using estimates from an anti-immigration group to back this up.
Walters is targeting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He’s not holding back, saying that while Biden has been in office, he’s neglected border security, leaving Oklahomans to foot the bill.
Last month, Walters stirred up some controversy by suggesting schools should ask students for proof of citizenship. While undocumented kids could still attend, schools would have to report how many they enroll. This idea didn’t sit well with many, as the U.S. Department of Education doesn’t allow schools to ask about immigration status, fearing it could discourage enrollment.
For this rule to happen, the Oklahoma Legislature or Governor Kevin Stitt would need to approve it. Advocates in the Latino community are worried this could scare families away from enrolling their kids in school.
Walters believes the costs from undocumented immigration will keep coming for years. He’s arguing that Oklahoma should be reimbursed for hiring bilingual staff and other expenses that come with educating more kids. The federal government does provide some funds for students learning English, but Walters wants more support.
