Statement from Rep. Reneau on HB0793

As a Christian, I work to balance the call to love our neighbors (Mark 12:31) with the duty to uphold justice and order. The LEA Citizenship and Tuition Bill (HB 793), which permits local school districts to verify citizenship and charge tuition for undocumented students, has sparked debate. Some argue it conflicts with Christian compassion, but I believe it aligns with biblical principles of stewardship and fairness.

HB 0793 empowers local school districts with discretion. It permits, but does not mandate, verifying students’ citizenship status and charging tuition for those who are undocumented. A district with few undocumented students might opt for no action, while one strained by overcrowding or high English-language learner needs—say, 30–50% of enrollment—gains a tool to manage resources. This is about local flexibility, not top-down mandates.

Entering or staying in a country without legal permission violates civil authority. Romans 13:1-2 teaches that God institutes governing authorities, and submitting to just laws reflects our Christian witness. When fairly enforced, such laws foster order and peace, not cruelty, ensuring a stable society for all.

This bill does not aim to punish children but recognizes that actions, including unlawful ones, have consequences. Galatians 6:7 reminds us, ‘Whatever one sows, that will he also reap.’ Sadly, consequences sometimes affect families, as with any law. Ignoring this reality risks undermining the justice system that safeguards everyone, including the vulnerable.

Fairness matters. Proverbs 20:10 declares, ‘Unequal weights and unequal measures, both are an abomination to the Lord.’ Families from every corner of the world wait years, pay fees, and follow legal immigration processes out of respect for our laws. Overlooking those who bypass these steps suggests integrity and patience are irrelevant. Justice requires consistent standards, not selective leniency.

Some say this policy lacks compassion, but compassion must align with both truth and wisdom. Scripture calls us to love the sojourner, but also urges faithful stewardship of entrusted resources. Undocumented immigration strains schools, hospitals, and services—burdens often borne by the poor, including legal immigrants, working-class families, and folks who are struggling already just to get by. As stewards, we must prioritize those already in our care while seeking just solutions.

Undocumented immigrants contribute through sales taxes and rent, which indirectly supports property taxes—a fact worth acknowledging. Yet, these contributions fall far short of the full cost of educating a child including language support and staffing. Most notably, undocumented students face a heartbreaking barrier: despite their efforts, legal status often blocks paths to careers like medicine or teaching. This underscores the need for lawful, long-term solutions.

Scripture respects and supports boundaries and lawful entry. In Numbers 20:14-17, Moses seeks permission to cross Edom, honoring its sovereignty. Sojourners in Israel were often those permitted to dwell legally (Deuteronomy 24:14). While we must love foreigners, this love does not override the need for order and respect for a nation’s laws.

The 1982 Plyler v. Doe ruling bars states from denying undocumented children public education unless a substantial state interest exists. Today, the financial strain on schools—especially in districts with overcrowded classrooms and stretched budgets—constitutes such an interest, justifying local discretion to manage resources responsibly.

I fully acknowledge that gaps in our federal immigration policy have left states with little choice but to step in. While programs like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) were created in response to public pressure and years of federal inaction, they were never intended to solve the broader issue of illegal immigration. DACA addressed only a narrow group of individuals and has left many in legal limbo. It is my sincere hope that as more states begin to responsibly address these challenges—it will finally push Congress to enact lasting, comprehensive immigration reform that upholds both our laws and our values.

Christians are called to mercy, but also to uphold order. Proverbs 3:3-4 urges us to bind love and faithfulness together. Like a parent guiding a child, a state enforces laws to foster responsibility (Hebrews 12:6). Voting for this bill reflects my commitment to integrity, stewardship, and lawful fairness—values that give mercy its strength. I pray for immigration reform that honors both compassion and justice.