President Donald Trump’s immigration policies during his second term have grown stricter, now extending to minors, as several states take steps that could restrict undocumented children’s access to public schools.
These actions are part of a broader set of measures against undocumented migration in the country, launched by President Trump from his first day in office, when he signed several executive orders affecting undocumented immigrants, ranging from strengthening security at the Mexican border, canceling CPB One, to raids on churches and schools.
Trump Authorizes Raids on Churches and Schools
Recently, Trump authorized immigration raids in places previously protected by law, such as schools and churches, sparking intense debate in the education sector.
Denver Sues to Block Raids in Schools
While some cities, like Denver, have filed lawsuits to prevent raids from taking place in school districts, other states have taken the opposite stance, seeking to implement stricter restrictions in line with President Trump’s anti-immigration policies.
States Seeking to Block Undocumented Students’ Attendance
In Tennessee, for example, Republican lawmakers have expressed support for a proposal that would allow local school districts to reject the enrollment of children without legal status in the country.
“The communities of Tennessee should not have to suffer or pay when the federal government fails to secure our borders,” said Representative William Lamberth, who supports the measure.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, though he has not commented on the proposed law, signed a bill allowing students—except those without legal status—to receive financial aid to attend private schools. This measure reflects growing support for policies that limit educational benefits for undocumented children.
Meanwhile, in Indiana, a bill seeks to authorize school districts to deny enrollment to undocumented students.
Additionally, it states that, if necessary, the state attorney general should defend schools against potential lawsuits.
The law also requires schools to report the number of undocumented students, their attendance rates, and whether they receive English or bilingual classes.
In Texas, a similar bill mandates that school districts begin tracking undocumented students starting in the next school year. The proposal aims to have the state request federal reimbursement for costs associated with enrolling these students.
Oklahoma is not far behind, as the state’s Republican superintendent, Ryan Walters, has proposed that students provide proof of citizenship or immigration status at enrollment. While undocumented students would not be barred from enrolling, schools would be required to conduct censuses of these students.
This measure was already approved by the State Board of Education, but Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has signaled his intent to block it, arguing that authorities should focus on pursuing criminals, not undocumented students.
These initiatives reflect the more restrictive approach several states are taking toward the education of minors without legal status, within the framework of the Trump administration’s ongoing crackdown on undocumented migration.
However, the controversy continues, and the battle over migrant children’s educational rights is far from over.
Image: Opinion
