A proposal in Oklahoma requiring parents to provide proof of their child’s U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status when enrolling in public schools is causing controversy. The proposal, put forth by Republican State Superintendent Ryan Walters, is aimed at supporting President Trump’s immigration policies. While the rules wouldn’t prevent students without legal status from attending schools, they would require districts to keep track of such students.
The plan has sparked criticism from teachers, civil liberty groups, and immigrant communities in Oklahoma. Critics fear that the requirement could lead to discrimination and fear among immigrant families. Some lawmakers have questioned whether immigrants without legal residency should have the right to public education.
Walters, who supports Mr. Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts, has also been involved in pushing for Bible instruction in schools and attempting to ban certain books from school libraries. The proposal has raised concerns about the impact on children’s right to education, as guaranteed by federal law. Despite these concerns, Walters remains committed to supporting the enforcement of immigration laws in Oklahoma.
Similar efforts to collect immigration status information from students in public schools have been met with legal challenges in the past. Experts warn that attempts to undermine the rights of children living in the country illegally to attend public schools should be taken seriously, citing recent Supreme Court rulings that have overturned longstanding precedents on other issues. The proposal in Oklahoma is still in the early stages and would require further approval from lawmakers and the governor to take effect.
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