Advice on immigration advocacy, raids and enforcement

Educators, students, and families are understandably concerned about the safety of their families and communities because of President Donald Trump’s plan for aggressive immigration enforcement and reshaping the country’s immigration laws. On Thursday, a federal judge temporarily blocked Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional.”

Unauthorized immigrants live in 6.3 million households that include more than 22 million people; this includes 4.4 million U.S.-born children who live with an unauthorized immigrant parent. If implemented as promised, Trump’s policies will lead to fear and upheaval, mass panic in immigrant communities, and will predictably harm school environments by causing increased absences, decreased student achievement, and parental disengagement.

While many of Trump’s proposed immigration actions are already facing or will face legal challenges, it is imperative for our teacher leaders and members to be aware and prepared regarding the impact that immigration issues can have on schools and our communities.

Immigration guidance compiled by the National Education Association lays out information regarding immigration and schools, including information about enrollment issues, Plyler v. Doe, and Safe Zones resolutions, how educators can safely engage in immigration advocacy, a FAQ about mass raids, a Know Your Rights guide for immigration enforcement, and an update on the DACA program.