Education of Immigrant Children

Immigrant Students’ Rights to Attend Public Schools

Public schools, by law, must serve all children.

As a result of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Plyler vs. Doe, public schools may not:

Public schools cannot deny admission to a student during initial enrollment or at any other time on the basis of undocumented status;
Public schools cannot treat a student differently to determine residency;
Public schools cannot engage in any practices to “chill” the right of access to school;
Public schools cannot require students or parents to disclose or document their immigration status;
Public schools cannot make inquiries of students or parents intended to expose their undocumented status; or
Public schools cannot require Social Security numbers from all students, as this may expose undocumented status.

In the current atmosphere of political discourse that attacks immigration and threatens immigrant families, we are providing resources and tools below for educators, families and community advocates to ensure our schools are safe and welcoming environments for all students.

New!

Safeguarding the Promise of Public Education – Statement by IDRA President and CEO Celina Moreno on Executive Actions Impacting Schools and Communities, January 22, 2025 (English) • (Spanish) • (Bilingual PDF)

Education Policy

Education of Immigrant Children

Immigrant Students’ Rights to Attend Public Schools

Public schools, by law, must serve all children.

In the current atmosphere of political discourse that attacks immigration and threatens immigrant families, we are providing resources and tools below for educators, families and community advocates to ensure our schools are safe and welcoming environments for all students.

New!