Raising academic standards and eliminating achievement gaps between advantaged and disadvantaged students are America's prime national educational goals. Current federal and state policies, however, largely ignore the fact that the childhood poverty rate in the United States is 21%, the highest in the industrialized world, and that poverty…

Analyzes moral and legal obligations the U.S. has toward undocumented Mexicans in the U.S. Reviews past cases and draws implications regarding the nature and extent of such obligations. Discusses several court decisions regarding the rights of undocumented migrants. Provides an overview of trends in Mexican-US migration. (MD)

The Texas statute denying undocumented aliens a free public school education does not pass muster under strict scrutiny and is, therefore, unconstitutional. Available from the Texas International Law Journal, 2500 Red River, Austin, TX 78705; sc $4.00. (Author/IRT)

In "Doe v. Plyler" the court unanimously held that the denial of a free public education to illegal alien children is a violation of the equal protection clause. Examines how the court came to its conclusion. (Author/IRT)

Discusses the laws involving duration and domicile laws defining noncitizen's status in relation to residency requirements in education. Considers the extension of the "Plyler vs. Doe" decision to higher education. Reviews some state statutes for "Plyler-like" situations and finds many state practices to be unconstitutional.…

The "Plyler" decision (that a state statute denying free public education to illegal aliens violates the equal protection clause) reached two unprecedented findings but also provides strong justification for strict judicial scrutiny of similar statutes. Available from Vanderbilt University School of Law, 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN…