Oklahoma’s top education official demands $474.9 million from the federal government for immigration-related education costs, setting a precedent for state-level accountability.
At a Glance
- Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters bills Vice President Harris $474.9 million for education costs linked to illegal immigration
- First state to formally calculate and demand reimbursement for these expenses
- Walters labels this the “largest unfunded mandate” facing American schools
- No response received from Vice President Harris’s office
- Raises questions about funding responsibilities for education mandates
Oklahoma Takes Unprecedented Action
In a bold move that highlights the growing tension between state and federal immigration policies, Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, has sent a “demand letter” to Vice President Kamala Harris. The letter bills the federal administration for an estimated $474.9 million in education costs related to illegal immigration, marking Oklahoma as the first state to formally calculate and request reimbursement for these expenses.
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.
— Superintendent Ryan Walters (@RyanWaltersSupt) October 29, 2024
Walters, who serves as the Executive Officer of the Oklahoma State Department of Education, tasked his department with calculating the financial impact of educating illegal immigrant minors on Oklahoma taxpayers. The resulting figure of $474.9 million represents what Walters claims is the cost of the border crisis on Oklahoma schools.
The ‘Largest Unfunded Mandate’
In his letter, Walters argues that the education of illegal immigrant minors has become the “largest unfunded mandate in the country.” He contends that the border crisis is severely impacting Oklahoma’s education system, placing an undue burden on local schools and taxpayers.
“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” Ryan Walters wrote to Harris.
Walters’ action underscores the significant financial strain that states are facing due to federal immigration policies. By demanding reimbursement, Oklahoma is calling for greater federal accountability and a more accurate accounting of state-level education expenses related to immigration.
TN needs to do this, because it's costing you $700 million per year in the Volunteer State.
Yet, when bills have been brought to stop the taxpayer funding of illegal immigrant ED in TN, guess who kills the bills in committee?
Clue: it ain't the Democrats. https://t.co/HMq1UOTA9p
— Tennessee Conservative News (@TnCoNews1) October 29, 2024
Criticism of Federal Response
The Oklahoma superintendent’s letter also serves as a pointed critique of the federal administration’s handling of the border situation. Walters specifically targets Vice President Harris in her role as “border czar,” attributing the financial burden on Oklahoma taxpayers and schools to what he sees as the administration’s failings.
“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.” Walters said.
Walters expresses 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 superintendent’s criticism of the administration’s responsiveness to state concerns.
A Call for Nationwide Action
In addition to demanding reimbursement, Walters is encouraging other states to calculate and report similar costs related to illegal immigration. This call to action aims to highlight the broader impact of the border crisis on education systems across the country.
“This demand amount is, by necessity, an estimate because only your administration knows the true number of illegal immigrants crossing this nation’s borders and the actual costs of illegal immigration.” he said.
By taking this unprecedented step, Oklahoma has initiated a conversation about the distribution of financial responsibilities between state and federal governments regarding education mandates. As other states consider following Oklahoma’s lead, this issue is likely to remain at the forefront of the national debate on immigration and education funding.
Sources:
- Oklahoma schools chief bills Kamala Harris $474M for education costs, citing illegal immigration
- Oklahoma schools chief bills Kamala Harris $474M for education costs, citing illegal immigration
