Asylum Seeker

The Illinois State Board of Education is seeking an additional $35 million in this year's budget to support an influx of immigrant children in public schools, but advocates now say the price tag is closer to $180 million — and climbing.

“While the state is incurring expenses that, frankly, should be paid by the federal government," Mendoza said. "I want to make sure that taxpayers know exactly what the state is spending money on when it comes to the arrival and care of asylum seekers."

Republicans in the Illinois Senate indicated their sticking point for budget negotiations this year will be the same as it was last year — state spending on programs for noncitizens and recent arrivals from the country’s southern border.

St. Louis immigrant aid groups said they, and incoming immigrants, need more support and language resources in order to be able settle into and thrive in the community.

Immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees had the opportunity to experience their first Thanksgiving in St. Louis on Tuesday, a few days early.The annual…