The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) provides critical access to higher education for undocumented immigrant students.
DACA has enabled over 750,000 undocumented young people to access higher education and work opportunities since 2012.- More than 200,000 DACA recipients live, work, and serve communities in the Southern states where IDRA focuses its work.
- Over 20,000 teachers and school counselors across the country hold DACA work permits and educate and support students every day.
See IDRA’s statement released April 13, 2022: IDRA Denounces Court Ruling Jeopardizing Texas’ Dream Act
See IDRA’s statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on June 18, 2020: IDRA Lauds Supreme Court Decision to Keep DACA Alive, Urges Schools to Affirm Immigrant Rights
See an op-ed by IDRA president, Celina Moreno, for the San Antonio Express-News, Commentary: Not aiding DACA students merciless, May 14, 2020
Statement: Court Decision on the “Public Charge” Rule Leaves Schools to Fill Gaps to Address Children’s Hunger, Housing Insecurity and Other Needs that Affect their Learning, January 27, 2020. The U.S. Supreme Court issued a dangerous decision to uphold the Trump Administration’s changes to the “public charge” rule, now making it more difficult for authorized immigrant residents to gain legal visas, permanent residency (green cards) and citizenship.
See a 2017 statement to congressional leaders by the Texas Latino Education Coalition, Support for a clean Dream Act
See an article by Dr. Sofia Bahena, Supporting Undocumented Youth through Community Engagement, IDRA Newsletter, June-July 2015
Information about the Young Conservatives of Texas v. [President] Neal Smatresk case
The Law in Education – YCT v Smatresk at UNT – IDRA Classnotes Podcast 243
Court Sides with UNT by Reversing Anti-Immigrant Tuition Challenge Fifth Circuit Court Order – IDRA & Presidents’ Alliance React to Young Conservatives of Texas v. Neal Smatresk et al., July 11, 2023
IDRA and President’s Alliance Joint Statement on Oral Argument: UNT Court Case Underscores Threat to Texas’ Higher Education and Students – IDRA & Presidents’ Alliance React to Oral Arguments in University of North Texas Case, February 13, 2023
Podcast: A Reckless Anti-Immigration Lawsuit Challenges Texas Tuition Laws, Latino Business Report episode featuring Paige Duggins-Clay, J.D., IDRA, August 23, 2022
IDRA Statement on Amicus Brief: IDRA Files Amicus Brief in Fifth Circuit on Behalf of Student, Business and Higher Education Organizations in a Reckless Case Challenging Texas Tuition Laws – Injunction Could Cost Universities Millions, Reduce Funds for Academics and Supports for Texas Students, August 5, 2022
IDRA Amicus Brief in Young Conservatives of Texas Foundation v. Smatresk on behalf of 12 business, higher education and student organizations, August 1, 2022
President’s Alliance Higher Education Immigration Portal
IDRA Statement on District Court Ruling: IDRA Denounces Court Ruling Jeopardizing Texas’ Dream Act, April 13, 2022
Videos for families: Ventanilla de Orientación Educativa (VOE) Virtual
IDRA’s webinar series provides information to immigrant families while the Consulate General of Mexico in San Antonio is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sample topics are below:
- Rights of Immigrant Students in PreK-12 Schools(10 min.)
- Derechos de los Estudiantes Inmigrantes en Pre Kinder-Secundaria(11.5 minutos)
- College Financial Aid Opportunities for Immigrant Students (15 min.)
- Oportunidades de Ayuda Financiera Universitaria para Inmigrantes(20 minutos)
The U.S. Constitution Requires K-12 Schools to Serve Immigrant Children
K-12 public schools, by law, must serve all children. The education of undocumented students is guaranteed by the Plyler vs. Doe Supreme Court decision, and certain procedures must be followed when registering immigrant children in school to avoid violation of their civil rights. IDRA provided expert testimony in the Plyler vs. Doe case. We also worked with policymakers and advocates to fend off efforts to adopt policies that were designed to discourage immigrant student enrollment.
In the current atmosphere of political discourse that attacks immigration and threatens immigrant families, we are providing resources and tools for educators, families and community advocates to ensure our schools are safe and welcoming environments for all students.
See our webpage: Education of Immigrant Children for info on:
- How Educators Can Support Immigrant Students
- Resources for Families of Immigrant Students
- Supporting Immigrant Students Through Advocacy
- Plyler v Doe – The Law in Education
- Welcoming Immigrant Students in School – Infographic (available in English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese and Mandarin)
