There are many reasons to flee a country and seek refuge beyond its borders; Germany drives some citizens into exile with a ban on homeschooling. Whether over philosophical preferences, religious conviction, or commitment to academic excellence, German homeschoolers either operate under the radar or seek refuge in countries with more education freedom. While plenty of Germans have run afoul of the country's ban on DIY schooling, the Romeikes may be most familiar to Americans. Last week, the family won permission to remain in the U.S. for another year as they raise their children by their beliefs.
"Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) staff met with the Romeike family and extended their permission to stay in the US for another year," Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) Executive Director Joel Grewe announced October 24. "This is consistent with the prior decisions of ICE going back to 2012. As a reminder, last year ICE informed the Romeikes—after the family had spent 15 years in the United States building a home in their community—that they would need to go back to Germany."
