Schools should be safe spaces for all students. Federal law protects the right to a free public education for all students regardless of citizenship status. However, recent shifts in national immigration policy and related initiatives are having a chilling effect and threatening that core value. The removal of school-based protections against immigration enforcement, and the presence—or even the rumor—of immigration agents near schools can keep students home, deter families from engaging in their child’s learning, and turn schools from safe havens into places of fear.

Educators have the power to preserve the integrity of the learning environment and ensure the safety of all students, regardless of immigration status. They can set up a meeting with school leaders, write a letter, or even raise concerns at a staff meeting or school board hearing. Together with the National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, the National Immigration Law Center, and other key partners, The Century Foundation offers this guide for educators and other concerned advocates with five actions to request of their school leadership in order to protect the learning environment and the school community from fear and unnecessary immigration enforcement.

Download the Guide (PDF)

Photo by Allison Shelley/The Verbatim Agency for EDUimages

Content note: This piece was originally published by the Century Foundation as part of the National Newcomer Network. As of August 2026, the National Newcomer Network has transitioned to EdTrust. This previously published content is maintained on this site for informational and historical reference.