Resources for Immigrant and Refugee Families

As significant changes in immigration policy are anticipated at the federal level, we understand the concern this has raised for many in our community. The purpose of this page is to help you understand your rights under the law and offer access to resources and services to support the safety and stability of your family.

Know Your Rights

Children’s Educational Rights in California

• All children in the United States have a Constitutional right to equal access to free public education, regardless of immigration status and regardless of the immigration status of the students’ parents or guardians.
• All children ages 6 to 18 years must be enrolled in school.
• All students and staff have the right to attend safe, secure, and peaceful schools.
• All students have a right to be in a public school learning environment free from
  discrimination, harassment, bullying, violence, and intimidation.
• All students have equal opportunity to participate in any program or activity offered
  by the school, and cannot be discriminated against based on their race, nationality,
  gender, religion, or immigration status, among other characteristics.

Information Required for School Enrollment

• When enrolling a child, schools must accept a variety of documents from the student’s
  parent or guardian to demonstrate proof of child’s age or residency.
• You never have to provide information about citizenship/immigration status to have your
  child enrolled in school. Also, you never have to provide a Social Security number to have
  your child enrolled in school.

Confidentiality of Personal Information

• Federal and state laws protect student education records and personal information.
  These laws generally require that schools get written consent from parents or guardians
  before releasing student information, unless the release of information is for educational
  purposes, is already public, or is in response to a court order or subpoena.
• Some schools collect and provide publicly basic student “directory information.” If they do,
  then each year, your child’s school district must provide parents/guardians with written
  notice of the school’s directory information policy, and let you know of your option to refuse
  release of your child’s information in the directory.

Family Safety Plans if You Are Detained or Deported

• You have the option to provide your child’s school with emergency contact information,
  including the information of secondary contacts, to identify a trusted adult guardian who
  can care for your child in the event you are detained or deported.
• You have the option to complete a Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit or a Petition for
  Appointment of a Temporary Guardian of the Person, which may give a trusted adult the
  authority to make educational and medical decisions for your child.

Right to File a Complaint

• Your child has the right to report a hate crime or file a complaint to the school district if he or she is discriminated against, harassed, intimidated, or bullied on the basis of his or her actual or perceived nationality, ethnicity, or immigration status.

If you have a question or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s social worker or counselor or call our Student Supports team at (619)667-5700 x6429.