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While this is happening across South Carolina and the entire United States, Lexington School District One faces an imminent crisis of a teaching shortage for the 2026-2027 school year. With the abrupt changes in immigration policy, government shutdowns, and lack of funding to USCIS (U.S. Customs and Immigration Services), 92 of our beloved international teachers are at risk of leaving us. Multiple teachers throughout our district have already been placed on leave—leading to a scramble for coverage and uncertainty about quality classroom coverage both now and in the future. These dedicated educators have been a LEGAL and vital part of our community for years, enriching our classrooms with diverse perspectives and unparalleled dedication. Losing them isn't just a loss for our school district; it's a loss for our children, our community, and our future. They have followed the legal process for years, but the new process has failed them, which also fails our children. 

Our foreign language programs, revered for their excellence and diversity, stand on the brink of collapse. These international teachers have provided invaluable cultural insights and learning opportunities that our students would have never experienced otherwise. The bureaucratic delays caused by the new immigration reforms have created an unnecessary barrier for these teachers, who only wish to continue their journey with us.

In a world that grows more interconnected by the day, the ability to speak multiple languages and understand different cultures is imperative. Studies have shown that bilingual individuals often perform better academically and have greater career opportunities later in life. By potentially losing these vital programs, we are depriving our students of these future opportunities and narrowing their world.

The process of visa renewal has unfortunately been ensnared in red tape, impacting not just our teachers but their families and our students. These educators have become embedded in our community, not merely as teachers, but as mentors, friends, and role models.

We urge the authorities to act swiftly to rectify this situation. Let’s prioritize our children's education and our teachers' futures by implementing a fast-track process for visa renewals for these international teachers who have been here legally for years. Ensure that our foreign language programs continue to thrive and that our classrooms remain places of cultural exchange and growth.

Please sign this petition to urge our lawmakers to expedite the visa approval and renewal process for our international teachers, ensuring they can remain a pivotal part of our educational system and community.