Four decades ago, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled all children in the U.S. were entitled to public education, whether or not they were here legally.
It was a Texas case and struck down a law that denied public school services to undocumented students. Now Gov. Greg Abbott says they should reconsider.
Last week, Abbott floated the idea that Texas should challenge the ruling. No doubt the governor thinks the courts conservative majority might be receptive. After all, it appears the justices are getting ready to strike down Roe v. Wade.
If the federal government wants illegal aliens educated, they should foot the bill, Abbott said.
It's an argument that might appeal to many on the right. It's also one that has already lost before the court in the original case.
What's Abbott up to? Well, it's well known the governor is considering a run for the White House in 2024. And what better way to bolster his "tough on illegal immigration" bona fides on the hot button issue?
Even if it hurts thousands of children who were, fin the vast majority of cases, brought here by their parents. Who are illegal through fault of their own.
One can argue all day about what to do regarding illegal immigration. But a Texan should be above making children pay for political gain. This is not Abbott's finest hour.