Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of H.R. 4134. a bill that would merely allow the States to decide. rather than the Federal Government. whether to provide a free public education. deny public education. or charge tuition to illegal aliens. This does not apply to illegal aliens currently enrolled. or those who enroll prior to July 1. 1997. I support this legislation despite my personal reservations regarding the wisdom of denying public education to illegal immigrants. Some argue that this is not the best approach to combating illegal immigration. and that denying education to illegal immigrant children will in the long run have the unintended consequence of perpetuating the influx of an illegal immigrant underclass within our society. I have been assured by New York Governor George Pataki that New York will continue to choose to provide a free public education to illegal immigrant children. But what is really at issue here is who should decide whether a State educates illegal aliens within its State borders. the States. or the Federal Government. The public education of illegal immigrants is a tremendous unfunded mandate on the States. Public education has traditionally been within the purview of the States. States should have the power to decide what is best for their State educational systems. rather than have the Federal Govemnment determine this for them.
Keywords matched
illegal immigrants illegal aliens illegal immigrant illegal immigration