Unlike in the United States, German parents (as well as parents in most European countries) are not permitted to homeschool children. The Romeike family are Evangelical Christians who object to both the curriculum taught in public schools in Germany, as well as the social influences exerted on the children by their peers.  The Romeike family had previously been fined $10,000 for refusing to send the kids to school.

A recent Supreme Court decision in Germany made homeschooling an offense that could result in a loss of custody of the children.  The Romeike family, from Baden-Wurttemberg, was contacted by the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) in Virginia which suggested that they relocate to the US. The father, a concert pianist, sold his Steinway to pay for the move and the family settled n Morristown, TN.

Immigration lawyers working for the US government have already appealed the novel decision, fearing that the ruling will encourage more asylum claims based on a country’s refusal to allow homeschooling.

For example, the law requires proof of US citizenship in order to get a driver’s license or state ID. Immigration lawyers claim this is bad because it encourages people to hide. The law also requires companies that do business with the government to use the E-verify system. However, immigration attorneys claim the system is unreliable and unfairly targets only a portion of businesses. The law also allows local law enforcement agencies to enforce immigration law, which immigration lawyers claim reduces the public trust. Finally, the law criminalizes harboring an illegal alien for financial gain. Immigration lawyers fear this will have unfavorable economic consequences for certain industries.

Proponents of the law claim that it was enacted to protect the finite pool of taxpayer dollars in that illegal immigrants are using government services that are intended for those who are here legally. As the federal government has done nothing to help stem the flow of losses, Utah lawmakers have taken it upon themselves to shore up their budget.