In the Texas case, the proponents of exclusion estimated that more than 100,000 children of undocumented workers would enroll in Texas public schools. Not only were the numbers far less than that originally claimed, but the number of schools actually enrolling immigrant students also represented less than a quarter of Texas' 1060 school systems. The savings are also a fraction of the amounts often predicted by anti-immigrant groups. Since the actual numbers of immigrant students enrolling in schools turn out be to a fraction of those estimated, states do not experience the inflated cost estimates used to justify the exclusion of children. When this is divided by the 200-plus instructional days, this net savings would come to 7.5 per pupil per day.
Immigrant families are unlikely to alter their plans based on state education policies.
Contrary to some misguided assumptions, immigrants come to the country seeking employment and opportunity. They do not come so their children can attend U.S. schools. Earlier, while some families expressed concern about the state's exclusionary practices, there was no great exodus from Texas as a result of the enforcement of the state's discriminatory treatment of immigrants. The assumption that giving states the option of denying schooling to young children will contribute to reduced migration remains unsubstantiated and misguided. The costs of exclusion may actually exceed any small benefits derived.