Immigration Discussions in Schools
The morning after Election Day last year, Melanie Claros, a civics teacher and ESL coordinator at a South Florida school where half the students are Latino, found herself having to do a job beyond her usual duties. By the end of the day, she recently told NBC News, more than two dozen students had separately approached her to ask about changes to immigration enforcement ahead of another Donald Trump presidency. The concerns have not abated since then, Claros said, noting she knows of at least one student who has already stopped showing up to school for immigration-related reasons. “I am very suspicious that we will have [more] kids that will be withdrawn or just stop showing up to school,” she said.
Educators Facing Uncomfortable Questions
Claros is one of several educators across six states who told NBC News they have found themselves in the uncomfortable position of fielding questions about potential mass deportations under the Trump administration. Many teachers and administrators are aware of a variety of scenarios that could start playing out very soon: immigration officials asking about a student; a kid who leaves school for the day only to discover that their parents have been detained and no one is home to care for them; students worried about deportation who simply stop coming to class.
Diverse Perspectives on Immigration
Supporters of Trump’s plans for mass deportations say an increase in immigration enforcement is necessary to decrease the incidence of crime committed by migrants and deter individuals from illegally crossing the border in record numbers. However, critics say they’re concerned about the possibility of family separations and widespread fear among certain communities. Several educators told NBC they feel it’s in a community’s best interest that kids, regardless of legal status, have the opportunity to go to school.
Community Support Amid Uncertainty
Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding immigration discussions in schools, educators like Karen Iglesias and Cinthya Longoria are doing their best to support students and families. Iglesias has heard students ask if they are going to get deported, while Longoria, a DACA recipient, empathizes with parents who feel anxious about the future. The assistant principal in California even offered up her home as a safe space for children of families facing deportation.
In the face of mass deportations and immigration-related fears, educators, advocacy groups, and school districts are coming together to ensure that all students feel supported and safe in their learning environments. The ongoing discussions around immigration enforcement continue to shape the way schools navigate these complex issues while prioritizing the well-being of their diverse student populations.