JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (AP) - A Tennessee congressman says schools in his district are having to hire more English language learning teachers due to an influx in undocumented students.
However, he offered no evidence when pressed by reporters.
Republican U.S. Rep. Phil Roe told WCYB-TV on Friday he "absolutely" knows the reason for the teachers is because the students are living in the country illegally. He didn't explain how he knows it.
A Johnson City Schools spokesman says the district doesn't collect data on students' legal status, and says the 14 current English language learning teachers have gradually been hired over the years.
Roe made the comments while arguing Americans are paying a price for not having a wall on the Southern border.
Roe's staff did not immediately respond to a request for additional comment.