Tennessee bill permits schools to reject illegal migrant students

Tennessee lawmakers have introduced a bill allowing schools to deny enrollment to students who are in the U.S. illegally. The bill gives schools the option to charge tuition for these students, differing from previous laws that require education access regardless of immigration status. The bill, S.B. 836, was sponsored by Republican Sen. Bo Watson, who claims it aims to save state funds. Critics argue it contradicts the 1981 Supreme Court ruling, Plyler v. Doe, which mandates public education for all children. Immigration attorney Brittany Faith has called the bill unconstitutional, stating it seeks to challenge the Plyler ruling. She also noted that charging tuition is problematic since all residents contribute to public education funding through taxes.