Study: Cost of Migrant Children In Public Schools Could Top $761 Million

by Caroline May 2 Sep 2014, 9:47 AM PDT
breitbart

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The cost of educating the unaccompanied illegal immigrant minors released back into the United States this school year could top $761 million, according to an analysis by the Federation for American Immigration Reform.

From January 1 to July 31, more than 37,000 unaccompanied minors have been placed with sponsors throughout the United States. The Department of Education has made it clear that every child, regardless of immigration status, is “entitled to” a public school education.

According to FAIR, that education for undocumented immigrant children comes at a high cost to taxpayers.

“Based on earlier estimates of the cost of educating [Limited English Proficiency] students in public schools, we came up with an estimate of how much it will cost taxpayers in each state to educate illegal alien minors in the coming school year,” FAIR’s analysis reads.

For the purposes of its study, FAIR said it estimated the per pupil cost of educating the unaccompanied minors to be 0.75 more than each state’s average cost per student.

“These kids will require special Limited English Proficient (LEP) classes conducted in Spanish, or in other languages indigenous to Central American, as well as other taxpayer funded services, such as free and reduced school meals. Once again the costs of federal government’s failed immigration policies are borne at the local level, and the nation's public school system is where the costs are most visible,” FAIR said.

FAIR analyzed the cost state by state. The states with the highest cost were also those with the highest numbers of unaccompanied minors in the states.

California, for example is host to more than 3,900 unaccompanied minors and the cost of educating the 98 percent FAIR estimated would be enrolling in public schools is $63,908,143. Florida, home to more than 3,800 unaccompanied minors, could see the cost of educating those of school age to be $56,773,589.

Other high unaccompanied minor population, high cost states include New York at $147,731,339, Texas at $77,655,584, Maryland at $67,937,602, New Jersey at $57,698,181, and Virginia at $54,182,412.

The Department of Education did not immediately respond to Breitbart News’ requests for comment.

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