Proposed Tennessee Legislation Targets Education for Immigrant Children
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Education for immigrant children is under question by Tennessee state leaders.
While proposed legislation now targets immigrant children, Memphis community advocates are speaking up for the thousands of local children who could be impacted.
Those who oppose
Senate Bill 836 say it is wrong and unconstitutional, referencing the 1982 Plyler v. Doe Supreme Court decision to allow all students free public education, regardless of immigration status. Those who support it say it will help the state financially.
The bill lays out a few items that would change if it took effect.
School systems would have to verify students' legal status, and students would also need to provide documentation of their status. If a student can not provide that, the school system would have the option to deny the student or charge them tuition for public education.
The annual costs could range between $7,000 to $9,000.
The bill’s sponsor, Tennessee State Senator Bo Watson of Hixson County, says the focus of this bill is to help the state financially. Teaching English as a second language, Watson says, is costly for Tennessee.
Education for immigrant children is under question by Tennessee state leaders.
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