A new bill introduced to Congress would bar the use of schools to house illegal immigrants. The Schools Not Shelters Act would place the limitation on academic institutions receiving federal funding.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY) introduced the legislation, which passed the House by a 222-201 margin.
Molinaro cited efforts by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) to house illegal immigrants in educational facilities. New York has received thousands of migrants in recent years, especially since President Joe Biden announced the end of the Title 42 asylum policy implemented by former President Donald Trump.
These efforts include placing migrants in facilities operated by the State University of New York (SUNY).
“I’m fighting to stop Governor Hochul from using schools and colleges as shelters for migrants. Upstate New York taxpayers pay thousands of dollars to support our public education system. SUNY college students pay thousands of dollars for room and board,” Molinaro said. “Our schools are not shelters.”
Other New York officials announced their support for Molinaro’s bill, including Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY).
“Housing illegal immigrants in schools is unacceptable and irresponsible. Illegal immigrants do NOT belong in our schools. It’s the Far Left’s failed attempt to deal with the illegal immigration crisis created by radical sanctuary city policies and Biden’s border crisis,” she said.
“As a condition on receipt of Federal financial assistance under any applicable program by a public elementary school, a public secondary school or an institution of higher education, the facilities of the school or institution may not be used to provide shelter or housing for specified aliens,” the bill reads.
This President and the Democrats are blatantly disrespecting our immigration laws and now our school children are paying the price for it. It's time to pass the Schools Not Shelters Act. pic.twitter.com/6gLiEJLzPg
— Congressman Bob Good (@RepBobGood) July 19, 2023
The White House announced its disapproval of Molinaro’s effort, issuing a statement that said that the administration “is strongly opposed” to the measure. The White House said that the bill would “supersede local control, interfering with the ability of States and municipalities to effectively govern and make decisions about their school buildings.”
The statement also said that noncitizens are already able to access such facilities under current federal law.
