Proposal in Oklahoma Schools Could Require Proof of Citizenship or Immigration Status

A proposal currently under consideration in Oklahoma suggests that parents enrolling children in public schools might need to provide evidence of their child's citizenship or legal immigration status. This initiative aligns with the broader immigration policies championed by former President Donald Trump and is intended to enhance the monitoring of undocumented students within each school district.

The rule would mandate that school districts track the number of students whose parents or guardians cannot present necessary documentation, reporting only aggregated figures to the Oklahoma Department of Education without disclosing any personal identifiable information. According to Ryan Walters, the Republican State Superintendent, the measure is not designed to exclude undocumented students from schools but to keep an inventory of their numbers, which Walters argues will enable schools to allocate appropriate resources effectively, such as tutors and ESL programs.

Critics of the proposal, including educators and civil rights advocates, have expressed significant concern, with many in Oklahoma's immigrant communities feeling apprehensive about the implications. State Representative Arturo Alonso-Sandoval noted that many parents are now doubtful about the safety and stability of their children's education, and some are even contemplating withdrawing their children from school altogether.

Walters has echoed support for stricter immigration enforcement, noting that he would endorse initiatives allowing federal immigration officials access to schools. Throughout his tenure, Walters has focused on challenging what he labels "woke" ideologies in the educational system, advocating for policies like mandatory Bible education and the restriction of books in libraries.

Amid these changes, the superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools reassured parents that under federal law, all children have the right to a public education regardless of their immigration status. Oklahoma City Schools have chosen not to pursue any measures to ascertain the immigration status of their students or families.

Historically, the right of children in the U.S. to attend public schools regardless of their immigration status has been safeguarded by the Supreme Court’s 1982 ruling in Plyler v. Doe. This landmark decision deemed it unconstitutional to deny education based on immigration status. While Alabama previously attempted to enforce similar regulations in its educational institutions, those measures faced extensive legal challenges and were ultimately retracted.

Given recent Supreme Court rulings that have reshaped established legal precedents, immigration experts warn that any moves to challenge the Plyler decision must be scrutinized closely, as they could potentially alter the access to education for vulnerable populations.