how do illegal immigrants go to public school

Illegal immigrants, also known as undocumented immigrants, are individuals who have entered the United States without the proper legal documentation or who have overstayed their visas. According to federal law, all children, regardless of their immigration status, have the right to attend public schools in the United States.

The Supreme Court’s 1982 Plyler v. Doe decision established that all children have a right to a free public education, regardless of their immigration status. This means that public schools are not allowed to deny enrollment to a student on the basis of their immigration status, and they must provide the same education to all students, regardless of their legal status.

However, the process of enrolling in public schools can be difficult for illegal immigrants, as they may not have access to the same documentation or identification as other students. Public schools are not required to ask about a student’s immigration status, but they may ask for proof of age, residency, and other information. Some schools may also ask for a social security number, but the student or the parent/guardian may provide alternative forms of identification such as a birth certificate, a passport, a driver’s license, or a school ID card.

Additionally, some states have implemented policies to further support undocumented students in accessing education. For example, some states have passed laws to provide in-state tuition to undocumented students, and others have established programs to provide financial assistance for college education for undocumented students.

It’s important to note that despite the laws protecting the rights of undocumented students to access public education, some states and schools may still face barriers and challenges in providing equal education opportunities to these students. For example, some schools may have limited resources to support English Language Learners and may not have the appropriate staff or programs to support their needs. Furthermore, some schools may not have the appropriate support systems to address the needs of students who may have experienced trauma or have other emotional needs.

In conclusion, according to federal law, all children, regardless of their immigration status, have the right to attend public schools in the United States. Public schools are not allowed to deny enrollment to a student on the basis of their immigration status, and they must provide the same education to all students, regardless of their legal status. However, the process of enrolling in public schools can be difficult for illegal immigrants, as they may not have access to the same documentation or identification as other students. Some states have implemented policies to further support undocumented students in accessing education. Despite the laws protecting the rights of undocumented students to access public education, some schools may still face barriers in providing equal education opportunities to these students.