Tennessee bill allows schools to deny enrollment for illegal migrants, proposal panned as unconstitutional

Tennessee lawmakers have introduced a bill to allow school districts and law enforcement agencies to refuse admission to illegal immigrant students.

SB 836 notes that law enforcement agencies or public charter schools “may be students who attend illegally in the United States, or refuse to enroll.”

Republican Senator Bo Watson, who Sponsored the billThe proposal aims to save state money. According to Fox Chattanooga, the bill was amended to allow the district to choose to charge tuition for student enrollment rather than make it necessary.

Three other states join the trend through universal school selection

Tennessee lawmakers have introduced a bill to allow school districts and law enforcement agencies to refuse admission to illegal immigrant students. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

“This legislation says that if you can’t prove your legal residence here, the local LEA may charge you for attendance tuition, which addresses the physical nature of this legislation. It’s not to deny education for these students,” Watson said.

But the bill contradicts the current law confirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1981, which ruled that states provide funding for any student seeking Public Educationregardless of their immigration status.

SB 836 notes that law enforcement agencies or public charter schools “may be students who attend illegally in the United States, or refuse to enroll.” (Joe Sohm/America/Universal Images group via Getty Images)

Immigration lawyer Brittany Faith criticized the bill for being unconstitutional and said he raised questions about the Plyler v. DOE ruling.

“It’s unconstitutional. Frankly, it’s their goal, to set this up as a challenge to Plyler v. Doe,” Fez told Fox Chattanooga.

TN MP proposes to send illegal immigrants accused of minor crimes to sanctuary cities instead of deportation

Republican Senator Bo Watson, who sponsored the bill, said the proposal was intended to save state money. (iStock)

Click here to get the Fox News app

Faith also raises questions about the school’s options to guide tuition fees. Tennessee’s Tax Structure It is based on sales tax.

“So they are paying the same taxes as those in legal status,” she said.