Teachers face tough questions from students about immigration and deportation fears as families worry about the future
Students asked her things like, “Are they going to deport all of us now?” and “Who will get deported first?” It was heartbreaking to see their fears. One student even stopped coming to school because of these worries.
Claros isn’t alone. Teachers across six states are facing similar situations. They’re concerned about students who might leave school only to find their parents have been detained. It’s a tough spot for educators who want to support their students but fear backlash for discussing such a sensitive topic.
Claros never imagined her students would be so anxious about immigration. She believes every child, regardless of their status, should feel safe at school. But talking about these issues is tricky for many schools. An assistant principal in California mentioned that even discussing support for students could lead to pushback from families.
Viridiana Carrizales from ImmSchools noted that schools are hesitant to seek help on immigration issues because they fear becoming targets themselves. Still, many schools reached out for training after the election, showing they want to be prepared.
Teachers are worried about students disappearing from classrooms. Parents are scared that their presence at school could lead to trouble. In Michigan, ESL teacher Karen Iglesias heard students asking if they would be deported, and parents expressed fear about driving to school.
Cinthya Longoria, a teacher in Texas, is trying to reassure anxious parents while grappling with her own uncertainties as a DACA recipient. She told one parent she hoped everything would be okay, but she couldn’t guarantee it.
Federal laws protect students from being denied education based on immigration status. Schools are generally safe spaces, but the Trump administration plans to change policies that currently protect these areas. Denver Public Schools and Canutillo Independent School District have emphasized the need for disruption-free learning amid these changes.
Schools have faced immigration issues before. In 2019, ICE raids in Mississippi left many children without parents, forcing schools to find safe spaces for them. Now, in Tucson, nonprofits are helping families prepare emergency packets with important information in case a parent is detained.
Some educators are even offering their homes as safe havens for students if their families are deported. It’s a tough time for everyone involved, but teachers are doing their best to support their students and families.
