Trump's Immigration Enforcement Actions Prompt Urges for Educational Continuity in New York City among Undocumented Families

New York City, preparing for the start of the new school year next week, has reassured families that the city's schools are safe and welcoming places for students, regardless of their background or immigration status.

The Schools Chancellor, Melissa Aviles-Ramos, has made this commitment, emphasizing that New York City Public Schools stand with all families. This assurance comes amidst increased immigration law enforcement by the Trump administration, aiming for 3,000 immigration arrests daily across the country, including New York.

To provide further support, the Department of Education has trained thousands of school staff members on the proper protocol when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers appear at a school. So far, there have been fewer than a half-dozen reported instances of New York City school children being detained by ICE.

For families with questions about their children's education, the Advocates for Children's assistance hotline is available. The hotline number, 866-427-6033, operates from Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The hotline is designed to help with children's education-related questions, ensuring that every child has access to the resources they need to learn and thrive.

Rita Rodriguez-Engberg, director of the Immigrant Students' Rights Project, has emphasized the rights of non-English-speaking learners. According to Rodriguez-Engberg, children have the right to receive instruction to learn English, and parents of non-English-speaking learners have the right to have school documents translated and interpreters in meetings with teachers.

In a show of solidarity, two organizations, the New York Immigration Coalition and Make the Road New York, organized a rally in Downtown Manhattan ahead of the 2021 school year. At the rally, immigrant students and parents were informed about their educational and immigration rights. Rodriguez-Engberg encouraged parents not to feel like a burden to the school and not to be afraid to ask for help.

The rally serves as a reminder that all state residents, including children between the ages of 5 and 21, have the right to attend public school under New York state law. This right includes the right to a safe and welcoming learning environment, free from the fear of immigration enforcement.

As the new school year approaches, families can take comfort in the commitment of New York City's schools to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students, along with the resources available to support their educational needs.

Trump's Immigration Enforcement Actions Prompt Urges for Educational Continuity in New York City among Undocumented Families