Obama Administration Warns School Districts Not To Discriminate Against Undocumented Aliens

Obama Administration Warns School Districts Not To Discriminate Against Undocumented Aliens

On Thursday, the Obama Administration sent out what some call a stern warning to State and Local school districts in the United States.  

The U.S. Education Department in addition to the U.S. Justice Department sent out a letter claiming they have become aware of some student enrollment practices that can scare or discourage students from enrolling in education programs based on "actual or perceived immigration status".

"These practices contravene Federal law," 

This statement was a reminder to school districts that asking about a student or a families immigration status, to either discourage or limit enrollment will not be tolerated.  In Alabama, back in 2011, there was a law in that state that required state schools to collect immigration status from students and parents.  It is said that the law caused many undocumented aliens to keep their kids out of schools.

Although a school district can require proof of residency in a district by providing copies of utility bills, lack of a U.S. birth certificate, or a foreign birth certificate may not bar a child from attending school.

Source- Reuters