Congressman Cohen Defends Public Education for Migrant Children

Supports sensible 1982 U.S. Supreme Court precedent

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses at a Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government hearing titled “Immigration Policy by Court Order: The Adverse Effects of Plyler v. Doe.”  The U.S. Supreme Court in Plyler v. Doe ruled in 1982 that states cannot discriminate against undocumented immigrant children in K-12 public education.

Congressman Cohen began his questioning taking exception to one witness’ claim that undocumented immigrants engage in crime at higher rates than native-born American citizens, citing a U.S. Justice Department study. Congressman Cohen was also able to clarify through witness testimony that the vast majority of non-citizens in the United States are not “undocumented” but have legal status, including non-English-speakers with lawful permanent residency, and are eligible for free public education.

See Congressman Cohen’s exchange with the witnesses here.

Witnesses at today’s hearing were:

• Matt O'Brien, Deputy Executive Director, Federation for Immigration Reform
• Mandy Drogin, Senior Fellow, Government Reform & Oversight Coalition, Texas Public Policy Foundation
• James Rogers, Senior Counselor, America First Legal Foundation
• Thomas A. Saenz, President & General Counsel, Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund

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