Five Things To Know About Illinois and Chicago Policies to Protect Immigrant Students
Do I have to share my or my child’s immigration status with my child’s school?
No.
Chicago Public Schools does not ask families for immigration status and does not share student records with ICE officials unless agents have a court order or consent from the child’s parent or guardian, according to CPS.
Can ICE agents enter school buildings?
Yes, but the bar to entry is high.
ICE agents have to provide their credentials, a reason for entry, and a criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge, in accordance with Chicago’s welcoming city ordinance and school board policy. Chicago Public Schools says ICE agents cannot enter a school with “an administrative warrant, ICE detainer, or a document from another agency enforcing civil immigration law. “
If a parent is taken into custody by ICE agents, what can schools do to support students?
Martinez said the district is working with nonprofit organizations that work with schools to create “family plans” with families who might be worried about what to do if they are detained during the school day. The district can’t ask families for immigration information, so the district is leaning on help from community organizations that already work with and have built trust with school communities to create an extended list of relatives or guardians who can help if a parent is detained by ICE.
What protections are there for teachers and school staff who are immigrants?
CPS employees are legally eligible to work in the United States, said Ben Felton, chief talent officer for Chicago Public Schools. That being said, Felton stressed that the district would not disclose any “sensitive personnel information” without a “valid legal request,” such as a subpoena, he said.
Are there resources at schools to help inform parents about their rights?
Chicago Public Schools have listed “Know Your Rights” forums hosted by local community and advocacy organizations on its website and information about the district’s policies.
Conclusion
In light of the new presidential administration’s policies on immigration, it’s essential for families to know that Chicago Public Schools and the City of Chicago have implemented measures to protect immigrant students, families, and staff. Chicago Public Schools do not ask for or track students’ immigration status, and the district will only cooperate with ICE officials if they have a judicial warrant. Additionally, the district has trained teachers and staff on how to interact with ICE agents and how to support students whose parents are taken into custody.
FAQs
* Do I have to share my or my child’s immigration status with my child’s school? No, Chicago Public Schools do not ask families for immigration status and does not share student records with ICE officials unless agents have a court order or consent from the child’s parent or guardian.
* Can ICE agents enter school buildings? Yes, but the bar to entry is high. ICE agents have to provide their credentials, a reason for entry, and a criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge.
* If a parent is taken into custody by ICE agents, what can schools do to support students? Schools can work with nonprofit organizations to create “family plans” with families who might be worried about what to do if they are detained during the school day.
* What protections are there for teachers and school staff who are immigrants? CPS employees are legally eligible to work in the United States, and the district would not disclose any “sensitive personnel information” without a “valid legal request,” such as a subpoena.
* Are there resources at schools to help inform parents about their rights? Yes, Chicago Public Schools have listed “Know Your Rights” forums hosted by local community and advocacy organizations on its website and information about the district’s policies.
