Kamala Harris Hit With Nearly Half-A-Billion Dollar Bill

Oklahoma’s education chief demands $474.9 million from Vice President Harris for costs related to illegal immigration, sparking a national debate on immigration policy and its impact on local schools.

At a Glance

Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters sent a “demand letter” to VP Kamala Harris for $474.9 million in education costs.
Walters claims the illegal immigration crisis is “crippling” Oklahoma schools.
He encourages other states to calculate and report costs of illegal immigration.
Harris’ office has not responded to the letter.

Oklahoma Superintendent Takes Bold Stand on Immigration Costs

In a move that has captured national attention, Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, has sent a “demand letter” to Vice President Kamala Harris, seeking $474.9 million in reimbursement for education costs related to illegal immigration. Walters, who serves as the Executive Officer of the Oklahoma State Department of Education, argues that the border crisis is placing an unsustainable burden on the state’s school system.

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

Calculating the Cost of Illegal Immigration on Education

Walters tasked his department with calculating the financial impact of educating illegal immigrant minors on Oklahoma taxpayers. The resulting estimate of $474.9 million has raised eyebrows and sparked debate about the broader implications of federal immigration policy on local education systems. Walters asserts that Oklahoma is the first state to quantify and bill the federal administration for these education costs.

“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,” Ryan Walters wrote to Harris.

The superintendent’s actions have ignited a conversation about what he calls the “largest unfunded mandate in the country” – the education of illegal immigrant minors. Walters argues that this financial burden unfairly falls on state taxpayers and schools, straining resources that should be dedicated to legal residents.

Criticism of Federal Response to Immigration

In his letter, Walters doesn’t mince words when addressing Vice President Harris, who has been tasked with overseeing border issues. He squarely places the blame for the financial strain on Oklahoma’s education system on the current administration’s immigration policies.

“Under your supervision, the costs in education due to illegal immigration have risen astronomically. Your failed oversight and efforts are a direct cause of the current crises Oklahoma and other states now face. Oklahoma taxpayers, schools, teachers, and parents should not bear the burden of your failings. They deserve better.” – Ryan Walters

Walters’ critique extends beyond the financial aspect, questioning the administration’s overall handling of immigration and border security. He has publicly stated his skepticism about receiving a response or remittance from the administration, citing what he perceives as a history of unresponsiveness to such concerns.

Call for Nationwide Action

The Oklahoma superintendent is not content with merely highlighting his state’s situation. Walters is actively encouraging education officials in other states to conduct similar cost analyses and report their findings. This call to action could potentially lead to a broader national conversation about the fiscal impact of illegal immigration on public education systems across the country.

As of this writing, Vice President Harris’s office has not responded to Walters’ letter. The lack of response may further fuel the debate surrounding federal accountability for the local impacts of national immigration policies. This situation continues to evolve, with potential implications for education funding, immigration policy, and federal-state relations in the coming months.