New Jersey Assembly Bill AR155

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/19/24
• Refer: 9/19/24

Caption

Urges U.S. Congress to remove federal courts' jurisdiction in certain education matters, or alternatively, to overturn certain prior case law.

Impact

If enacted, this resolution could significantly impact how states handle education funding for students who are illegal aliens. It calls for the ability to impose tuition fees on these students, reflecting what would be paid by citizens and legally admitted aliens. The argument posits that states should maintain greater control over educational policies without federal interference. This could lead to increased financial autonomy for schools within the state regarding the funding of illegal alien children.

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 155 urges the U.S. Congress to remove federal courts' jurisdiction over specific education matters related to illegal alien students, or alternatively, to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision in Plyler v. Doe. The resolution emerges from concerns that educational services to illegal aliens impose heavy financial burdens on the state, as these individuals often do not fulfill their tax obligations. The sponsors argue that the current legal framework contradicts the state's rights to govern education under the 10th Amendment.

Contention

The proposal raises contentious debates surrounding immigration and education policy in the U.S. Supporters of the resolution believe that the 10th Amendment guarantees states the right to govern educational matters and assert that the Supreme Court's ruling in Plyler v. Doe was a misinterpretation of state authority. Critics argue that changing these provisions would negatively impact the education of vulnerable populations and perpetuate disparities in access to education, further complicating the already contentious immigration debate.