State Superintendent Ryan Walters and the Oklahoma State Department of Education have filed a lawsuit against three federal agencies responsible for immigration enforcement, accusing President Joe Biden’s administration of failing to secure the nation’s southern border and imposing a financial burden on Oklahoma schools. They are seeking reimbursement for the cost of educating immigrant children, citing a lack of federal support on this issue. The lawsuit does not specify a monetary amount but demands accountability from the federal government.
Walters’ lawsuit names the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection as defendants, alleging that the federal government’s failure to address the issue of undocumented immigration is forcing Oklahoma taxpayers to cover the costs. President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office soon, with a promised focus on stricter border policies.
Last month, Walters received backlash for suggesting a rule requiring schools to ask for proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status from students. This proposal faced criticism from advocates in the Latino community who warned that it could discourage immigrant families from enrolling their children in school. The U.S. Department of Education does not allow public schools to ask for immigration status, deeming it unnecessary and potentially harmful to enrollment.
The lawsuit filed by Walters claims that Oklahoma should be reimbursed for both current and future costs associated with educating immigrant children, including hiring bilingual staff, language assessments, and other expenses that may arise as more children enroll in schools. The federal government currently provides funds to public schools to support students learning English as a second language. The lawsuit aims to hold the federal government accountable for the financial burden placed on Oklahoma schools due to undocumented immigration.
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