What's in this toolkit?
Context
Defend Our Students' Rights
All students have a right to enroll in public school, regardless of their immigration status, but since his re-election, the president and his staff have consistently taken steps to aggressively pursue immigration enforcement and to attempt to reshape the nation’s immigration system. This includes actions in support of Trump’s mass deportation plans, an attempt to end birthright citizenship, and, just recently, overturning 13-year policy that has kept Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from engaging in immigration enforcement in “sensitive areas” such as K-12 public schools, hospitals, and places of worship.
Educators, students, and families are understandably concerned about the safety of their families and communities.
Use this research-based message guidance and tools to help educators and allies not only defend students’ rights to obtain a public education but to keep them safe from harmful immigration policies and practices.
Key Talking Points: Immigration
All students have a constitutionally protected right to a public education. All children in the U.S.—including undocumented children—are entitled to education and have a legal right to attend public school regardless of immigration status. Schools should create a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere—and they have no legal right to ask about a child’s or their parents’ immigration status.
However, some shortsighted politicians want to divide our nation by excluding undocumented immigrant children from public school. They shame and blame new immigrants to divide and distract us from the real problems facing our country instead of coming together to find real solutions to the issues facing this country. Shaming and blaming sends the message that these students—many of whom have lived here so long they can only remember living in the U.S.—do not deserve an education, are not worthy of being our children’s friends, classmates, and teammates, and should not have the opportunity to thrive. Excluding these children from school violates the values we strive to live by as a country, such as protecting children, building strong communities and families, and fairness.
We have a professional and moral responsibility to keep our students safe. As educators, we have accepted the responsibility to protect our students—every single student, regardless of their immigration status—and we are called to protect families and communities. We have a professional and moral responsibility to keep our students safe, especially if, and when, Trump sends ICE into our communities. More importantly, our job is to provide an education that inspires their natural curiosity, imagination, and love of learning. We are growing tomorrow’s inventors, thinkers, artists, leaders, and, yes, educators!
Americans know it’s love that makes a family, families that make vibrant communities and communities that make a prosperous nation. We are joining together to keep our families whole, help our communities thrive and ensure our nation is a place of liberty and justice for all. We remain committed to using our super power as educators to ensure every public school is a safe space for every student, and to uphold the constitutionally protected right of all students to access a public education.
People have the courage and tenacity to move here for a better life. All of us living in the U.S.—no matter race, place of birth, or gender—should have the freedom to thrive, to feel safe in our communities, and to have access to health care and education. We should be able to earn a living wage, to care and provide for our families, and to contribute to our country in our own unique ways. Parents work hard to give their children an opportunity and a better future, a chance to provide for themselves—and, for all children, the foundation of that opportunity is access to a public education. Depriving any child of this opportunity to attend public school puts them at a disadvantage and makes it difficult for them to gain the skills they need to contribute fully to society. Ultimately, this hurts us all.
Take Action for Public Schools
Educators and parents know that America's students need more opportunities to succeed, and we need to strengthen our public schools where 90% of students, and 95% of students with disabilities learn. Get the tools and information you need to take action.
Quick Shares
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We will keep this section updated with important actions and articles for you to share with your community.
Guidance on Immigration Issues
The second Trump Administration will have a large impact on immigration policies affecting students, schools, and communities. Here's what you need to know to prepare.
Supporting Immigrant Families and Students
Find more resources to support students, educators, and communities, including information on how your school can become a safe zone and how you can advocate for fair and just immigration policies.
How Dismantling the Department of Education Would Harm Students
The Trump administration is taking a wrecking ball to public schools—inflicting damage on millions of students across the country in the process—to pay for tax handouts for billionaires.
Make a Difference Today
Take Action Now
Looking for more ways to take action?
Safe Schools for Immigrant Students and Staff: Share with your Networks!
Post these graphics on social media to educate your audience and move them to action.
Your Rights and Workplace
When educators are heard, respected, and given the resources we need, we can give our students our very best. NEA provides information to help you access fair pay and fair benefits.
Understand Your Rights
Our guide helps public school teachers and support staff understand their rights when speaking up for public education and students.
