Immigrant Students and Their Families Face Uncertainty in the Face of Trump’s Deportation Pledge
Rumors of Immigration Raids Spreading Fear Among Students and Parents
Last time Donald Trump was president, rumors of immigration raids terrorized the Oregon community where Gustavo Balderas was the school superintendent. Word spread that immigration agents were going to try to enter schools. There was no truth to it, but school staff members had to find students who were avoiding school and coax them back to class.
"People just started ducking and hiding," Balderas said.
Educators Bracing for the Worst
Educators around the country are bracing for upheaval, whether or not the president-elect follows through on his pledge to deport millions of immigrants who are in the country illegally. Even if he only talks about it, children of immigrants will suffer, educators and legal observers said.
"If you constantly threaten people with the possibility of mass deportation, it really inhibits people’s ability to function in society and for their kids to get an education," said Hiroshi Motomura, a professor at UCLA School of Law.
Fear and Uncertainty Among Students and Parents
That fear already has started for many. "The kids are still coming to school, but they’re scared," said Almudena Abeyta, superintendent of Chelsea Public Schools, a Boston suburb that’s long been a first stop for Central American immigrants coming to Massachusetts. Now Haitians are making the city home and sending their kids to school there.
"They’re asking: ‘Are we going to be deported?’" said Abeyta.
Schools Preparing for the Worst
Many school officials are reluctant to talk about their plans or concerns, some out of fear of drawing attention to their immigrant students. One school administrator serving many children of Mexican and Central American immigrants in the Midwest said their school has invited immigration attorneys to help parents formalize any plans for their children’s care in case they are deported.
Conclusion
As the new administration takes office, immigrant students and their families are facing a climate of fear and uncertainty. Educators and legal observers warn that even the threat of mass deportation can have a negative impact on the ability of immigrant students to function and receive an education. As schools prepare for the worst, it is crucial that policymakers and community leaders prioritize the protection and support of immigrant students and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current policy on immigration enforcement in schools?
A: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has a policy of avoiding arresting or conducting enforcement actions at "sensitive locations," including schools, hospitals, and places of worship.
Q: What is the Trump administration’s stance on immigration?
A: Trump has pledged to deport millions of immigrants who are in the country illegally, but his administration has also nominated officials who have worked on plans to rescind the guidance on "sensitive places."
Q: How are schools preparing for the potential impact of mass deportation?
A: Some schools are training staff not to allow immigration agents inside, while others are inviting immigration attorneys to help parents formalize plans for their children’s care in case they are deported.
