Immigration Reform Could Mean Fewer Kids In Class

The first day of school scares some children, but moms and dads in Tulsa's Hispanic community are also terrified. Illegal parents whisper about INS raids at area schools, or agents scooping up and

Friday, August 3rd 2007, 8:39 pm

By: News On 6

The first day of school scares some children, but moms and dads in Tulsa's Hispanic community are also terrified. Illegal parents whisper about INS raids at area schools, or agents scooping up and deporting parents taking their kids to class. News On 6 anchor Omar Villafranca spoke with one Tulsa principal on Friday. He reports she says her elementary students shouldn't have to worry.

There's no sound of kids in the hall at Kendall-Whittier elementary, only because classes haven't started yet. Principal Judy Feary says fear may keep the hallways empty on the first day of school.

"Some have heard rumors that INS is going to pick up kids as they're going to school, and that's just not founded," Kendall-Whittier Elementary Principal Jean Feary said.

The rumors started shortly after the legislature passed House Bill 1804, the state's newest immigration bill. Now illegal immigrants whose children attend Kendall-Whittier have started to fear even taking their kids to school.

"We've still had families contacting us saying they're already moving back to Mexico, we've had requests from other states for records of children who've already moved away," said Feary.

While parents are worried about their children, teachers are worried about their school. If kids don't show up for classes the school could lose valuable programs and money. If any of her students, legal or illegal, do not show up for class Feary may lose teachers to other schools. Kendall-Whittier could have funding pulled for tutoring programs, and if the number of kids showing up drops significantly the schools free lunch program would disappear.

State Senator James Williamson, a key player in getting House Bill 1804, says the bill let's teachers teach.

"The reality is the bill does not say anything about anyone coming through, and sweeping through, and looking for or identifying children at school to see if they are here illegally or not," said Senator James Williamson.

The bill is already working, even though it won't take effect until November 1, 2007. But that's fine with Williamson if it helps alleviate a burden on legal citizens.

"When you have a tremendous number of children here who have trouble speaking English thatâ€™s a much heavier burden on your education system,â€ Williamson said. â€œIt's difficult to teach to students who can't even understand the English language."

Principal Feary just hopes her students and their parents remember what school is all about.

"School is a place where we have no knowledge of immigration status, don't want to know it. We're about children, about education and the immediate needs of those families," she said.

Principal Feary says illegal immigrants run more of a risk by not bringing their kids to class. If their kids don't attend school parents can get in trouble for truancy, which could lead to bigger problems.

Watch the video: Immigration Fears At Local Schools

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