JD Vance blames migrant children for Georgia’s education problem

Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance blamed migrant children for contributing to the challenges facing Georgia’s public education system during a rally in Lindale, Georgia, on Friday.

Speaking to supporters, Vance linked the state’s education issues to the large number of undocumented immigrants and their children enrolled in public schools.

“There are more than 400,000 illegal aliens in the state. Approximately 120,000 Georgia students are children of illegal aliens,” Vance said at the event. “Think of the impact on education for Georgian children when you add in the more than 120,000 children, many of whom do not speak English.”

He attributed these challenges to the Biden-Harris administration’s immigration policies, which he said have worsened the situation by allowing uncontrolled migration into the country.

Vance’s comments focused on overcrowded classrooms and the added burden on teachers who must support students struggling with language barriers.

Georgia’s schools have seen a steady increase in the number of English Language Learners (ELLs), with state data showing that nearly 10 percent of students now need additional language support.

The senator criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, charging that her handling of immigration has worsened the situation at the southern border, which in turn has affected states like Georgia. Vance linked the presence of migrant children in schools to broader issues, such as drug trafficking and border security, that he said have not been addressed by the Biden administration.

“I feel sorry for these innocent children; I am not angry at them for coming to this country. Our frustration is with Kamala Harris for allowing the Mexican drug cartels to continue the drug and sex trade,” he said.

According to the American Immigration Council, Georgia’s undocumented population has grown significantly. There are currently an estimated 400,000 undocumented immigrants living in the state. Many of these individuals have children enrolled in public schools, which Vance said has led to increased pressure on educational resources and services.

Vance’s statement about children going to college without learning English has been a hot topic for the Republican ticket as part of a strategy to emphasize immigration and border security ahead of the 2024 elections.

As a vice presidential candidate, Vance has consistently aligned himself his running mate, former President Donald Trump’s tough immigration policiesframing the issue as a national security and economic concern affecting communities across the United States.

With Georgia positioned as a key battleground, Vance’s comments suggest immigration will remain a central issue in his campaign as the election approaches.