Summarizes the debate over the payment of school and other taxes to support illegal immigrants and their families and the result of the failure to provide adequate education to this population. The discourse over illegal immigration has demonstrated the mix of feelings over the issue. This is primarily a regional issue, mainly affecting those states with the largest immigrant population. The educational cost of immigration may not be as high as assumed because the studies do not take into account the range of revenue and taxes that illegal aliens and their families contribute to the economy. California, with the greatest number of illegal immigrants, has responded by enacting Proposition 187 prohibiting the use of public services and programs by people who cannot establish their legal status in the United States. As an alternative educational system, parochial and religious schools are unable to handle the large numbers of illegal immigrant children. Children of illegal aliens will continue toreside in the United States and will participate in the economy throughout their lives. An adequate education is necessary to prepare them. (IP)
