The Oklahoma education system faces unprecedented challenges as thousands of undocumented students strain its resources and budget.
According to Fox News, Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration, seeking reimbursement of approximately $470 million spent on educating illegal immigrant children over the past four years.
The legal action targets the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, highlighting the financial burden placed on Oklahoma's public education system. The state currently spends around $11,000 per student annually, with nearly 3,000 unaccompanied migrant children now placed within its borders.
The lawsuit, filed in the Western District Court of Oklahoma, emphasizes the severe strain on educational resources caused by the influx of undocumented students. Schools struggle to provide essential services such as certified teachers for students with limited English proficiency, transportation, and individualized education plans.
Oklahoma education officials argue that the challenges stemming from accommodating illegal immigrant students have long-term implications for school budgets. The situation affects the quality of education for all students, including children of taxpaying citizens.
Superintendent Walters expressed strong criticism of the current administration's border policies. He points to recent admissions from outgoing ICE Director P.J. Lechleitner about the administration's delayed response to border security concerns.
With President-elect Donald Trump preparing to take office, Oklahoma officials insist on holding the current administration accountable. The timing of the lawsuit reflects a strategic move to address the consequences of four years of border policies before the transition.
Walters addressed the ICE director's recent statements during an NBC interview, which he views as a crucial admission. The superintendent highlighted the administration's acknowledgment of the situation's severity and their delayed response.
The Oklahoma education chief shared his perspective on the federal government's role in the crisis.
Last week we had Joe Biden's top ICE director admit that they allowed this to happen, that they allowed the law to be broken … and frankly, they're crystal clear these orders came from the top, they came from Joe Biden and the border czar Kamala Harris.
The Oklahoma State Department of Education's lawsuit could potentially inspire similar actions from other states. Walters has actively encouraged other state education systems to assess the impact of illegal immigration on their schools.
State officials emphasize the importance of documenting and addressing the educational challenges created by immigration policies. The lawsuit represents an effort to establish accountability measures before the new administration takes office.
Walters expressed his determination to protect Oklahoma's educational interests, stating:
It truly is chaos in the school system. And who's suffering here? It's the students. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris did this intentionally, and we've got students caught in the crossfire here. We have got to protect them, and we've got to get our states back on track in educating our kids.
The Oklahoma State Department of Education has initiated legal proceedings against the Biden administration, seeking $470 million in compensation for educational expenses related to undocumented students. The lawsuit targets federal immigration policies that allegedly created substantial financial and operational burdens on the state's public school system. As the presidential transition approaches, state officials emphasize the importance of addressing these challenges and establishing accountability for the impact on educational resources and quality.
