Oklahoma Seeks Massive Fund from VP Harris for Education of Undocumented Minors

Woman speaking into microphone at outdoor event.

Oklahoma’s Education Superintendent demands $474.9 million from Vice President Harris, citing costs of educating undocumented minors.

At a Glance

Oklahoma Education Superintendent Ryan Walters sent a “demand letter” to VP Kamala Harris.
The letter claims illegal immigration has cost Oklahoma schools $474.9 million.
Walters argues the border crisis is “crippling” Oklahoma schools.
He encourages other states to calculate and report similar costs.
Harris’ office has not responded to the letter.

Oklahoma Superintendent Takes Bold Action on Immigration Costs

In a move that has caught national attention, Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, has taken an unprecedented step by sending a “demand letter” to Vice President Kamala Harris. The letter, which seeks $474.9 million in reimbursement, highlights the alleged costs of educating undocumented minors in Oklahoma schools.

I demand that @VP Harris reimburse Oklahoma taxpayers for the cost of educating illegal immigrants in our public schools, a direct result of the Biden-Harris failure to secure the border.

https://t.co/waUQ1E6dWJ

— Superintendent Ryan Walters (@RyanWaltersSupt) October 29, 2024

Walters, who serves as the Executive Officer of the Oklahoma State Department of Education, argues that the ongoing border crisis is placing an unsustainable burden on the state’s educational resources. He claims that Oklahoma is the first state to calculate and bill the federal administration for these education costs, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow suit.

The Financial Burden on Oklahoma Schools

According to Walters, the illegal immigration crisis has resulted in an estimated $474.9 million cost to Oklahoma schools. This figure was calculated by the Oklahoma State Department of Education at Walters’ request, aiming to quantify the financial impact of educating undocumented minors on state taxpayers.

“As the statewide elected Superintendent of Public Instruction of the State of Oklahoma and the Executive Officer of the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), it is my duty to ensure that the resources allocated to our public schools are counted for and used in the most effective manner possible for the benefit of Oklahoma students’ education” stated Ryan Walters

Walters has labeled the education of illegal immigrant minors as the “largest unfunded mandate in the country,” suggesting that the federal government should bear responsibility for these costs. He argues that Oklahoma taxpayers, schools, teachers, and parents should not have to shoulder the burden of what he perceives as federal policy failures.

Criticism of Vice President Harris’s Border Oversight

In his demand letter, Walters directly criticizes Vice President Harris for her role in overseeing border issues. He attributes the financial strain on Oklahoma’s education system to what he calls her administration’s failings in managing the border crisis.

Walters has been vocal in his criticism, stating, “Since she’s been the border czar, she’s failed our country.” This sentiment echoes broader conservative critiques of the current administration’s handling of immigration issues.

Call for Nationwide Action

Beyond seeking reimbursement for Oklahoma, Walters is encouraging other states to calculate and report their own costs related to educating undocumented minors. This call to action could potentially lead to a broader national conversation about the financial implications of current immigration policies on state education systems. “This demand amount is, by necessity, an estimate because only your administration knows the true number of illegal immigrants crossing this nation’s borders and the actual costs of illegal immigration.” Ryan Walters went on to say.

While Walters has expressed skepticism about receiving a response or remittance from the administration, citing a history of unresponsiveness, his actions have certainly drawn attention to the issue. As of now, Vice President Harris’s office has not responded to the demand letter, leaving the next steps in this developing situation uncertain.