Bill: Make schools ask if kids are in US legally (AZ)

[Chris]

PHOENIX - State senators voted Monday to force schools to ask parents whether their children are in this country legally.

Sen. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, said Arizona taxpayers are entitled to know how many children are being educated who have no legal right to be here. He said asking for documentation when a child is enrolled is no different from asking for proof of vaccinations or that a youngster actually lives in the school district.

Nothing in SB 1097, given preliminary approval would prevent a student from being enrolled if a parent could not or would not provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. Pearce concluded he couldn't keep the children out based on a U.S. Supreme Court decision obligating states to provide public education for all regardless of legal status.

But Pearce did not dispute a contention by foes that simply asking about legal status might keep some parents from enrolling their children, even if the youngsters were born in this country. And he said that doesn't bother him one bit.

http://azstarnet.com/article_e13452d5-d081-52b0-8260-3167afbb27e3.html

[debk]

TN requires a copy of the child's birth certificate to enroll them in school. Don't know for how many years, but they did when mine started in the mid 80's. They require it for proof of age.

[thundley4]

TN requires a copy of the child's birth certificate to enroll them in school. Don't know for how many years, but they did when mine started in the mid 80's. They require it for proof of age.

My school required birth certificate when I was in school.  Also when going out for sports in high school, a copy of the birth certificate was kept in our school record.

[bkg]

I'm confused... ask if the kids are here legally? Why not just ask the fawking parents and kick 'em out!