Oklahoma education leader suggests verifying students’ immigration status.

A suggested regulation from the Oklahoma State Department of Education would require public schools to request evidence of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status during student enrollment, a measure that might conflict with federal law if enacted.  The proposed regulation would also mandate that school districts track the number of undocumented students registered and send that data to the state Education Department. The proposed rule states that students will not be personally identified, yet the agency hasn’t clarified how it intends to use the information. Undocumented students would still have the opportunity to attend public schools in Oklahoma; however, the proposal has triggered worries that it might discourage families from enrolling their kids in school. While public schools can ask for residency proof in a district, the federal government forbids schools from inquiring about students’ immigration status, considering it unnecessary and a possible “discouraging effect” on enrollment. In 1982, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states cannot refuse undocumented children equal access to public education. The Court determined there was no proof indicating that removing these students from public schools would reduce illegal immigration or that it was probable to enhance the overall quality of public education.