Attorney General Declines to Offer Opinion on Trump Order Impacting Undocumented Students
Oklahoma’s Attorney General, Gentner Drummond, has declined State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ request for a legal opinion on whether a presidential order blocks federal education funds from benefiting undocumented students. Drummond criticized Governor Kevin Stitt’s actions related to immigration, accusing him of not taking substantive action to address illegal immigration in Oklahoma.
Walters had sought guidance on how his department should comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order, which bars taxpayer-funded benefits from going to undocumented immigrants. Drummond, however, stated that interpreting federal law falls outside the state attorney general’s jurisdiction.
The ongoing conflict between the state’s Republican governor, attorney general, and public schools leader deepened with the exchange of comments. Drummond accused Walters of using the issue to further his political career, while Walters expressed disappointment at Drummond’s response.
Walters supports Trump’s immigration policies and has proposed a rule requiring schools to collect students’ immigration status. However, this rule has faced opposition from many Oklahomans who fear it may deter immigrant students from attending public schools.
Ultimately, Drummond encouraged Walters to work with federal agencies to implement the executive order faithfully and focus on improving education outcomes in Oklahoma. The issue remains unresolved as it awaits legislative consideration in the state.
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