Education Chief Requests Millions from VP Harris for Immigration Expenses

A woman speaking with an American flag in background.

Oklahoma’s education chief demands $474.9 million from Vice President Kamala Harris, citing costs of illegal immigration on the state’s schools.

At a Glance

Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters sent a “demand letter” to VP Harris for $474.9 million
Walters claims illegal immigration crisis has cost Oklahoma schools this amount
He argues education of illegal immigrant minors is the “largest unfunded mandate in the country”
Walters encourages other states to calculate and report costs of illegal immigration
VP Harris’ office has not responded to the letter

Oklahoma Education Chief Takes Bold Step

In a move that has captured national attention, Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, has sent a “demand letter” to Vice President Kamala Harris. The letter requests $474.9 million, an amount Walters claims represents the cost of educating illegal immigrant children in Oklahoma’s public schools. This action highlights the growing tension between state education systems and federal immigration policies.

I demand that @VP Harris reimburse Oklahoma taxpayers for the cost of educating illegal immigrants in our public schools, a direct result of the Biden-Harris failure to secure the border.

https://t.co/waUQ1E6dWJ

— Superintendent Ryan Walters (@RyanWaltersSupt) October 29, 2024

Calculating the Cost of Illegal Immigration

Walters, who serves as both Superintendent of Public Instruction and Executive Officer of the Oklahoma State Department of Education, tasked his department with calculating the financial impact of illegal immigrant minors on Oklahoma taxpayers. The resulting estimate of $474.9 million has become the centerpiece of his demand to the federal government.

“As the statewide elected Superintendent of Public Instruction of the State of Oklahoma and the Executive Officer of the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), it is my duty to ensure that the resources allocated to our public schools are counted for and used in the most effective manner possible for the benefit of Oklahoma students’ education” – Source

Walters argues that the border crisis is “crippling” Oklahoma schools and labels the education of illegal immigrant minors as the “largest unfunded mandate in the country.” He asserts that Oklahoma is the first state to calculate and bill the federal administration for these education costs, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow suit.

Criticism of Federal Immigration Policies

In his letter, Walters directly criticizes Vice President Harris for her oversight of the border, attributing the financial burden on Oklahoma taxpayers and schools to her administration’s failings. He encourages other states to calculate and report the costs of illegal immigration to highlight the crisis’s impact on their education systems.

“Under your supervision, the costs in education due to illegal immigration have risen astronomically. Your failed oversight and efforts are a direct cause of the current crises Oklahoma and other states now face. Oklahoma taxpayers, schools, teachers, and parents should not bear the burden of your failings. They deserve better.” – Source

Walters expressed skepticism about receiving a response or remittance from the administration, citing a history of unresponsiveness. As of now, Vice President Harris’s office has not responded to the letter, further fueling the debate over federal accountability in immigration matters.

Implications and Future Actions

This bold move by Oklahoma’s education chief may inspire similar actions from other states grappling with the financial implications of illegal immigration on their education systems. Walters’s demand for federal reimbursement raises questions about the distribution of costs between state and federal governments in addressing immigration-related challenges.

“Since she’s been the border czar, she’s failed our country.” – Source

As this situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the federal government will respond to such demands and whether this will lead to a broader national conversation about the fiscal impact of immigration policies on state education budgets. The outcome of this confrontation could have far-reaching implications for both immigration and education policy in the United States.