State Bills Challenge Education Access for Undocumented Students

Proposed legislation in multiple states seeks to restrict enrollment or impose new requirements for undocumented children in public schools, raising legal and ethical concerns.

• Republican lawmakers in at least five states, including Tennessee and Oklahoma, are introducing bills that could deny public school enrollment to undocumented children or require proof of citizenship during enrollment.
• These proposals challenge the 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe, which guarantees free public education to all children regardless of immigration status.
• Supporters argue the measures address financial burdens on schools, while critics say they are discriminatory and could deter families from seeking education for their children.
• Tennessee's proposed legislation would allow schools to refuse enrollment to undocumented students, while Oklahoma's plan would require parents to disclose their children's immigration status without barring enrollment.
• Legal challenges are expected if these bills pass, as opponents claim they violate constitutional protections and could lead to broader Supreme Court scrutiny of existing precedents.

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