(CALIFORNIA) The start of the new school year in the United States 🇺🇸 is marked by deep worry among immigrant families. Many parents are keeping their children home, fearing that sending them to school could lead to immigration enforcement and possible deportation. This surge in deportation anxiety follows the recent removal of a key federal policy that once protected schools from immigration raids.
Why Are Immigrant Families Afraid Now?
The main reason for this fear is the revocation of the “sensitive locations policy“ by the Trump administration on January 20, 2025. For years, this policy kept Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from taking action at places like schools, churches, and hospitals. Now, with the policy gone, ICE can show up at schools, even though officials say they will only do so in special cases. Still, the change has left many families too scared to send their children to class.
Sharp Drop in School Attendance
The effects are clear in classrooms across the country. In California, school districts have seen a 22% jump in student absences where immigration enforcement is strong. Some teachers say they have lost up to half their students during times when ICE is active. In cities such as Boston, Fresno, and Chicago, attendance dropped by about 1,000 students per day—almost 50%—right after ICE actions or policy announcements.
| Location | Absence Increase | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | 22% jump | Where immigration enforcement is strong |
| Boston, Fresno, Chicago | ~1,000 students/day | Almost 50% drop after ICE actions |
Nationwide, about 620,000 undocumented children and 4.7 million U.S. citizen children with at least one noncitizen parent are affected by these fears. Many of these students are missing out on school, which can hurt their learning and future chances.
Policy Changes and New State Laws
The end of the sensitive locations policy means ICE can now act on school grounds. ICE says such actions are rare and only happen case by case, but the fear remains. Some states are also pushing for new laws that could make things even harder for immigrant students:
- ⚠️ In Tennessee, lawmakers are considering a bill that would force schools to check students’ immigration status. Children without legal status might be barred from school unless their families pay tuition.
- ⚠️ Oklahoma has proposed rules that would require proof of citizenship or immigration status for school enrollment. This could scare more families away from sending their children to school.
- ⚠️ Similar bills have been suggested in Texas, Indiana, and New Jersey, but it is not clear if they will become law.
These changes have made many immigrant families feel even less safe about sending their children to school.
How Schools and Communities Are Responding
Many schools and states are not standing by quietly. They are working to protect immigrant students and staff from ICE actions on campus. Here are some steps being taken:
- ✅ Some school districts, like Denver Public Schools, are suing the federal government to stop ICE from coming onto school grounds.
- ✅ States such as California, Illinois, and Maryland are creating new rules and guidance to keep schools safe for all students.
- ✅ Universities are telling staff and students that ICE needs a judge’s warrant to enter certain campus buildings.
Schools are also making safety plans, teaching staff about legal rights, and giving families information to help reduce fear and encourage children to come to school.
Real-Life Impact on Families and Students
For many immigrant families, every school day brings a tough choice. Sending children to school could mean risking a parent or child being picked up by ICE. But keeping them home means missing out on learning and falling behind in class.
Students themselves are feeling the pressure. Many report high levels of stress, anxiety, and fear about being detained or separated from their families. Some parents have stopped driving their children to school, worried they might be stopped and detained on the way. Older students sometimes drop out or take jobs to help support their families when parents are too afraid to leave the house.
A teacher in Fresno shared, “I’ve seen students break down in tears, worried they’ll come home to an empty house. It’s heartbreaking to watch children carry this much fear.”
Legal and Policy Background
The right of all children to attend public school, no matter their immigration status, comes from a 1982 Supreme Court case called Plyler v. Doe. This decision says that states cannot deny free public education to children because of their immigration status. Many experts and advocates argue that the new enforcement policies go against this ruling.
Research shows that when immigration enforcement increases, student achievement drops, and mental health problems rise. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these negative effects can last for years, making it harder for students to succeed in school and later in life.
Advocates say that education is a basic right and that no child should be kept from school because of their family’s immigration status. “We’re seeing children punished for something they have no control over,” said an attorney from the American Immigration Council.
What Are Schools Doing to Help?
To fight deportation anxiety and keep students in school, many districts are:
- ✅ Creating “safe zone” policies that limit ICE access to school grounds
- ✅ Training teachers and staff on how to respond if ICE shows up
- ✅ Providing information to families about their rights and where to get legal help
- ✅ Working with local groups to offer counseling and support for students dealing with fear and stress
Some schools have set up hotlines for families to call if they have questions or need help. Others are holding meetings to explain the new rules and reassure parents that schools will do everything they can to protect students.
State and National Resources
Families looking for help can turn to several sources:
- 📋 Local immigrant advocacy groups and legal aid organizations offer free advice and support.
- 📋 State Departments of Education and Attorney General offices in places like California, Illinois, and Maryland have up-to-date information on school safety policies.
- 📋 National groups such as the American Immigration Council provide legal information and resources for immigrant students and their families.
For more details on the rights of immigrant students in public schools, families can visit the official U.S. Department of Education page on Educational Services for Immigrant Children and Those Recently Arrived to the United States.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
The fight over immigration enforcement in schools is far from over. Legal challenges are expected to continue, with some school districts and states pushing back against federal policies. At the same time, some states may try to pass even stricter rules about who can attend public schools.
Advocacy groups and educators are calling on the federal government to bring back protections for schools as sensitive locations. They argue that schools should be safe places for all children, no matter where they were born or what their family’s immigration status is.
Meanwhile, schools and communities will keep tracking attendance and enforcement activity to see how these changes are affecting students. Many hope that by working together, they can find ways to keep children safe and in school.
What Can Families Do Now?
If you are worried about sending your child to school, here are some steps you can take:
- ✅ Talk to your child’s school about their policies on ICE and student safety.
- ✅ Ask if the school has a “safe zone” policy or a plan for what to do if ICE comes to campus.
- ✅ Reach out to local legal aid groups for advice about your family’s rights.
- ✅ Stay informed about new laws or policies in your state that could affect your child’s education.
Remember, your child has the right to go to school, and many people are working to protect that right.
Conclusion
The start of the 2025 school year brings new challenges for immigrant families in the United States 🇺🇸. The end of the sensitive locations policy has caused a wave of deportation anxiety, leading to a sharp rise in absences among immigrant students. While some states are pushing for stricter rules, others are fighting to keep schools safe for all children. Families, schools, and communities must work together to make sure every child can learn without fear. As this situation continues to change, staying informed and connected to trusted resources is more important than ever.
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