How deportation anxiety limits education for undocumented students

Concerns over immigration policy and the fear of deportation have resulted in schools facing an increase in absenteeism. Immigrant families are facing barriers in education, as parents and children fear the possibility of separation or detainment by immigration authorities. 

"The purpose of our schools is to educate children, and to educate all our children," said Wendy Cervantes, director of immigration and immigrant families at the Center for Law and Social Policy (Clasp). "Immigration enforcement of any kind should stay out of our schools, period."

For years, schools were considered "safe zones" where immigration officers could not enter to detain people. However, this policy was rolled back last month under the Trump administration. U.S. public schools are generally required to educate all children, regardless of their immigration status.

However, absenteeism is mostly seen in children of undocumented immigrants, as well as those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

The situation is particularly dire in communities where schools have become battlegrounds for immigration enforcement, with some families fearing that school staff may collaborate with authorities or inadvertently expose their children to immigration agents.

Families are searching for alternatives like homeschooling. Homeschooling allows families to educate their children privately, which can help avoid exposure to immigration enforcement. However, homeschooling requires significant resources, including time, education materials, and, often, one parent staying home to manage the child's education.

Organizations like United We Dream, the nation's largest immigrant youth-led organization, have been vocal in their efforts to support immigrant youth through alternative education programs. Greisa Martinez Rosas, executive director of United We Dream, stated community-based education "helps young people in immigrant communities to continue their education without the fear of being separated from their families. These programs are critical in ensuring that young people have the resources they need to succeed in school and beyond."

Another growing alternative is online education. Several online learning platforms have emerged as viable options for families who are concerned about the risks of attending in-person schooling. Online education offers flexibility and can be accessed from home, mitigating concerns about exposure to immigration enforcement. Some programs, such as Khan Academy, provide free resources for students of all ages, from elementary school through college.

Some immigrant children also find alternative pathways through charter schools, which may offer more flexible enrollment options. Charter schools are independently operated but publicly funded, often with fewer restrictions than district-run schools. However, access to these schools can be limited, and not all charter schools are equipped to support immigrant students who may need additional language or social services.