Choosing how to educate one’s child is a very personal decision. Numerous parents in California and across the country decide to stick with public schools, while others will only consider private schools. The homeschool movement, while not a new concept, is growing in the United States and in other parts of the world. Unfortunately, in other countries, homeschooling is considered against the law. Because of this, the U.S. government is considering granting asylum to those who wish to homeschool their children.
The asylum debate is something with which lawmakers are struggling. A piece of legislation, currently working its way through the system, is asking for a tougher stance on granting asylum to the numerous children who have fled to the United States from Central America because of violence. However, written in that same legislation is a provision for granting asylum to homeschoolers.
As with any bill that is up for approval, there are those for and against this change in the asylum standard. Some would like to make it harder to gain this privilege and feel the provision for homeschoolers is doing just the opposite. However, there are many parents in other countries who are in constant fear of losing their children and being sent to prison for their desire to educate their children in the home. This, to several lawmakers, meets the persecution requirement needed to gain asylum.
If this legislation is passed, up to 500 families a year who are facing oppression for homeschooling their children may be granted asylum. This bill is certainly something those in this situation will be following with interest and hope. Whether seeking asylum or looking for other ways to enter the country legally, a California immigration attorney can offer guidance and assistance to those looking to build a better life for themselves and their families in the United States.
Source: sanluisobispo.com, “Asylum for homeschooling enters immigration debate“, Franco Ordonez, April 8, 2015