Oklahoma Board of Education mandates immigration status for school enrollment

The Oklahoma State Board of Education has approved a controversial measure requiring parents to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status for public school enrollment. Although the rule does not prevent undocumented children from attending schools, it mandates that school districts report the number of undocumented students, raising concerns among immigrant families about potential repercussions. Superintendent Ryan Walters emphasized that the goal is to gather data to assess the impact of illegal immigration on Oklahoma schools. Critics argue that this measure could instill fear within immigrant communities and hinder access to education, as protests against the rule have emerged. The proposal aligns with former President Trump's immigration policies, and Walters has indicated that data could be shared with law enforcement agencies. The rule still requires approval from the state legislature and the governor.