Beck: Feds should help pay to educate refugees

By CLARE MARIE CELANO
Staff Writer

State Sen. Jennifer Beck is well-aware of the recent influx of Central American children fleeing their homes to seek refuge in the United States.

This week, the senator said she wants to make certain that “federal agencies and representatives are contemplating the possibility that the federal government may have to fund education for these refugees.”

Regarding the recent reported arrival of between five and 10 unaccompanied children from Central America in Freehold Borough, Beck (R-Monmouth) said, “This is a federal immigration issue and not a natural growth enrollment. It is driven by a humanitarian crisis the United States is responding to.”

The senator was referring to the possibility that the Central American children who are being housed in Freehold Borough could eventually be enrolled in the Freehold Borough K-8 School District at an as yet undetermined cost to borough taxpayers.

Beck said the U.S. House of Representatives has appropriated $694 million to process and house the surge of children who have been and are being detained at the U.S. border with Mexico.

Some of the children are now being sent to live in other states, according to reports in the media.

“This is an issue with far-reaching implications that is being experienced all across the country,” Beck said. “I am working closely with federal representatives and the governor’s office to fully understand our legal options and obligations.

“I am hopeful that money will come from the federal government as part of an overall response to this issue.

“There are real humanitarian, fiscal and capacity concerns, so all decisions must be fully vetted. I will continue to communicate openly with local officials to keep all apprised of our progress.”

Beck said America has always opened its arms to people in difficult situations.

“It is not surprising these children would choose to seek refuge in America. It is a great country,” she said.

The senator said her office has received numerous calls regarding the issue of children fleeing violence and poverty in Central America to seek a safer environment.

“We want the public to know we are cognizant of the fact this is a federal immigration issue that has a real and significant impact on local municipalities,” Beck said.

“We know this is a federal issue and the federal government is doing what it needs to do.

“We are aware of the financial impact and the impact on resources on local municipalities, and that local government entities cannot support and handle this on their own. We are going to need federal dollars to deal with its impact.”

She said the addition of children to a school district that is overcrowded and underfunded will pose challenges in Freehold Borough.

Beck said she did not, at this time, have a specific number of children who have arrived or may arrive in any of the towns in her district.

“The U.S. Department of Heath has arranged placement for the children, but has not shared that information with the state, making our ability to react much more difficult,” the senator said.

She said various agencies are trying to “get a handle on how many children are here and what their needs are.”