LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The cost of English Learners to public education has become a source of conflict between President Donald Trump and the state of Michigan.
English learner earmarks.
The state Legislature just approved a state budget that sets aside $12.5 million for English Learners. The definition of an English Learner is a student who was not born in the United States or whose native language is a language other than English and whose difficulties in speaking, reading, writing, or understanding the English language presents an obstacle to learning.
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The number of English Learners in Michigan has increased by 50% since 2007. There were 69,705 English Learners students in this state in 2007 and that increased to 104,213 in 2025. At Dearborn Public Schools, 44.5% of the students are English Learners and at Hamtramck Public Schools, 64.5% of the students are English Learners.
English: the official language.
In July, Trump designated English as the official language of the United States. That executive order had an impact on funding for English Learners. Trump’s executive order said that the federal government had been providing translation services beyond legal requirements for English Learners. His executive order rescinded that approach.
“Consistent with that direction, the Department of Justice will lead a coordinated effort to minimize non-essential multilingual services, redirect resources toward English-language education and assimilation, and ensure compliance with legal obligations through targeted measures where necessary,” the U.S. Office of the Attorney General wrote in a July 14 memo.
The Michigan Department of Education.
Michigan Superintendent of Public Schools Michael Rice put out an Aug. 14 memo that reminded districts that illegal migrants had a right to a free public education.
“As we enter the 2025-26 school year, it is important to remember that all children, regardless of citizenship and immigration status, have the right to equal access to a free public education,” Rice said in the memo.