Some School Districts Increase Funding for Migrant Instruction Despite Local Budget Gaps

Federal and state laws mandate accommodations for all English language learners in public schools.

Classmates gather outside the Immigration court as an immigration judge held a bond hearing for Marcelo Gomes da Silva, a high school student from Milford who was detained by Immigration and Enforcement (ICE), in Chelmsford, Mass., on June 5, 2025. Brian Snyder/Reuters

Despite federal effectiveness at curbing illegal immigration, most states still allocate extra money for students learning English, regardless of whether they are here legally.

All states apply a per-pupil funding formula for local districts. Above that base rate, 47 states and the District of Columbia provide additional money for English language learners.