California Takes Stand to Protect Undocumented Immigrant Students
California is taking swift action to safeguard undocumented immigrant students from elementary schools to university campuses in the face of rising fears. This move comes as a response to President-elect Donald Trump’s promises of mass deportations, set to begin on January 20. The state is deploying reassurance and resources to public schools to ensure that every child has access to education, regardless of immigration status.
Los Angeles Unified School District Supt. Alberto Carvalho and state Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta led the charge on the first day of the spring semester. Carvalho emphasized mandatory training for school employees on what assistance they can and cannot provide to federal immigration authorities. The district will also provide information cards to parents outlining their rights and offer state-funded mental health support for students.
Bonta echoed Carvalho’s sentiments, releasing guidance for parents that emphasizes that information about citizenship or immigration status is not required for school enrollment. Additionally, he provided a document to help school districts comply with state laws limiting involvement in immigration enforcement activities.
Fears Plague Undocumented College Students
The fear is palpable among undocumented college students, like Jenni Hernandez, who attends Sacramento State. Despite living in a sanctuary city in a sanctuary state, the uncertainty surrounding her legal status brings back deep-seated fears from childhood. Hernandez’s story resonates with an estimated 100,000 undocumented college students in California, the largest population in the country.
Students like Hernandez are grappling with the decision to continue their education amidst the looming threat of deportation. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) offers some protection, but the ever-present fear of immigration enforcement officers entering campus facilities exacerbates their anxiety.
Challenges and Uncertainties Continue
The uncertainty surrounding DACA, the lack of long-term protections for undocumented students, and the challenges they face in accessing legal services add to their distress. With Trump’s administration threatening to end DACA and increase deportations, students like Hernandez are left in limbo, unsure of their future in the country they call home.
L.A. Unified Steps Up as a Sanctuary
In response to these challenges, L.A. Unified is taking steps to declare schools as sanctuaries for immigrants, providing a safe space for students and families. Board members have directed Superintendent Carvalho to ensure that schools remain protected grounds, shielding students and their families from immigration actions.
While schools can offer some protection, the fear persists beyond campus boundaries. Officials are working to extend protections for students a mile out from campus, ensuring their safety on their way to and from school.
As California leads the way in protecting undocumented students, the state continues to navigate the complexities of immigration policies and enforcement actions. The commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of all students, regardless of their immigration status, remains a top priority in the face of ongoing challenges and uncertainties.
