Supreme Court May Be Last Hope for Homeschoolers Facing Deportation

The German family faces legal sanctions in their home country

A German homeschooling family has lost another round in their effort to avoid deportation, apparently leaving the U.S. Supreme Court as their last hope.

The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected a request for it to rehear the case, which involves the Romeike family's attempt to stay in this country and escape a forced return to Germany, where homeschooling is illegal. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), which represents the Romeikes, had sought a rehearing before the entire 15-member appeals court in Cincinnati. A three-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit had upheld in May a rejection of the family's request for asylum in the United States.

HSLDA said it will ask the Supreme Court to review the appeals court's July 12 decision.