Oklahoma has taken a significant step towards implementing a rule that would require parents enrolling children in public schools to provide proof of their child's U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status. This proposal, approved unanimously by the Oklahoma State Board of Education, aligns with President Donald Trump's immigration initiatives and reflects a broader trend among several states to tighten educational policies in light of immigration issues. If enacted, it will require school districts to track and report how many students lack proper documentation without collecting personally identifiable information.

Under the proposal, parents will need to provide valid documents, such as U.S. birth certificates, passports, or permanent resident cards. While the rule does not bar undocumented students from attending school, education officials will have to keep a tally of those whose parents cannot prove citizenship. State Superintendent Ryan Walters emphasized that the aim is to better allocate educational resources, asserting, “Our rule around illegal immigration accounting is simply that, to account for how many students of illegal immigrants are in our schools” AP News.

Critics, including civil rights activists and educators, argue that such measures induce fear among immigrant families and could deter children from pursuing their right to an education. “The community is scared, obviously,” stated Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, reflecting concerns among parents who fear potential repercussions for themselves and their children Los Angeles Times. The National Immigration Law Center also condemned the proposal, claiming it threatens to “instill terror in communities across the state” by creating barriers to education for children regardless of their citizenship status.

The proposal aligns with recent federal immigration policies encouraging local schools to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Walters has expressed his intent to collaborate with federal authorities if they seek information related to undocumented students The Guardian. This move comes after the Supreme Court's 1982 ruling in Plyler v. Doe, which affirmed that it is unconstitutional to deny anyone a public education based on immigration status.

Amid protests outside the board meeting, hundreds voiced their opposition, highlighting fears and questions faced by immigrant families. “Children should not be afraid of attending school,” said one protester, reflecting sentiments echoed throughout the community CBS News. The debate continues as lawmakers will further review the proposal, weighing educational access against compliance with new immigration policies.

This situation epitomizes a pivotal struggle in American immigration policy, as local governments navigate between the enforcement of federal rules and the assurance of educational rights for all children.