Undocumented Children Enrolled in Valley Schools

Undocumented Children Enrolled in Valley Schools

Posted: Aug 22, 2014 8:39 PM
Updated: Aug 25, 2014 8:01 AM


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DONNA - Children who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally are now enrolling in local schools.

"Normally we need a birth certificate. We need a Social (Security card). We need all of that," explained Ida Garcia, the director of intake and attendance at the Donna Independent School District.

She said instead students are providing notarized letters, which identify them as refugees. Garcia added parents of the children are giving custody to a relative in the U.S.

Donna ISD is now one of the school districts scrambling to make changes for the new students. Garcia told CHANNEL 5 NEWS programs are being adjusted for them. She explained the changes are similar to a revamped bilingual program.

Garcia added she spotted many of the new students with bruises due to vaccinations. "You should see the little ones. They're all taped up - all taped up - where they've given them all four vaccines at one time," she told us.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS checked with the Weslaco Independent School District. They said so far, no Central American children are enrolled in their schools. District officials told us they've set some money aside to hire teachers and aides if the school district does receive students.

http://www.krgv.com/news/undocumented-children-enrolled-in-valley-schools/