The Calexico Unified School District has removed dozens of students from school because they cannot prove they live in the district. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has details.
The Superintendent of Calexico Unified says taxpayers have repeatedly urged the district to make sure students do not cross the border from Mexicali to go to class.
Superintendent David Alvarez says to that end the district gave all 10,000 students about 10 months to prove they're Calexico residents.
The deadline expired this week. Alvarez says its not clear how many students will have to leave school. He says students' immigration status is not motivating the purge.
In 1982, the Supreme Court ruled schools cannot deny children education based on their legal status.
Alvarez says the law he wants to enforce is the one that states students who attend Calexico public schools must live in the district.
For decades, Calexico and Mexicali have shared a rich cross-border life. Many families live on both sides. Alvarez says he often takes lunch breaks in Mexicali.
Amy Isackson, KPBS News.
