Ryan Walters seeks guidance from Attorney General regarding compliance with Feb. 19 executive order

State Superintendent Ryan Walters has requested a formal opinion from the Oklahoma Attorney General (AG) office regarding President Donald Trump's executive order issued on Feb. 19, 2025.

Walters seeks clarification on whether Oklahoma public school programs that receive federal funding, in whole or in part, are affected by the order. If so, Walters seeks instruction from the Oklahoma AG on what steps should be taken to ensure compliance with the order.

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About the executive order

The President's executive order emphasizes the goal of upholding the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), which prohibits undocumented immigrants from obtaining most tax-funded benefits. The order mandates that the head of each executive department or agency identify programs that allow undocumented immigrants access to taxpayer benefits, and take steps to ensure compliance with PRWORA.

Walters' concerns

Walters' letter to the AG references several programs that fund public schools in Oklahoma, including Title I for schools with high rates of poverty, child nutrition programs such as the National School Lunch Program, and English Language Proficiency programs. Walters voices concerns that these programs may, by design or effect, provide benefits to undocumented immigrants.

Walters emphasizes the importance of addressing public health, safety, welfare, and taxpayer funding as it pertains to this matter, and requests an immediate response from the AG to address those concerns directly.

READ MORE: Oklahoma School Board approves rule to gather immigration status data of students

Additional details

The executive order issued by President Trump additionally stipulates that within 30 days, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and other relevant federal agencies must identify additional sources of funding that benefit undocumented immigrants.

The order does not interfere with the authority of federal agencies or the Office of Management and Budget. The order will be implemented following applicable law and funding available and does not create enforceable rights or benefits.