Illegal immigrants may move to the United States for work and a
better life, but they also bring along children who attend public
schools funded by taxpayer dollars.
Gilroy – Illegal immigrants may move to the United States for work and a better life, but they also bring along children who attend public schools funded by taxpayer dollars.
But the fact that those public institutions, Gilroy Unified School District included, educate illegal immigrants isn’t the concern of school officials.
“We don’t ask for anything proving that they’re here in this country legally,” GUSD Student Enrollment Coordinator Juanita Contin. “We certainly want everyone who is a resident in our community to have their children in school.”
Contin elaborated, saying it’s to Gilroy’s advantage to have an educated public.
When a parent enrolls their child in school they aren’t asked for a social security number, only a birth certificate. The parents also are asked to provide proof of residence, such as a tax bill, rental agreement or electricity bill, to show that they live within the boundaries of the school where the parent is enrolling their child.
Up-to-date immunization records are also required. The only reason the district asks for birth certificates is to verify age in order to place the child in the proper grade, Contin said.
Although most students have a birth certificate, there are some who don’t. If a parent can’t provide a birth certificate, the school will ask for a passport or other documentation such as an affidavit.
