Updated on September 6, 2017
Yesterday, President Trump announced his plan to phase out DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), while urging Congress to pass a replacement plan within six months. Some 800,000 young people—who have been contributing to their classrooms, communities, and workplaces for years—will become eligible for deportation, in many cases back to countries they left as infants. The U.S. is their country. This is their home.
This is a cruel and unjustifiable decision that leaves these young people and their families in a state of profound uncertainty about their futures. Across the country, students are coming to school in fear, and teachers and school leaders are working hard to support them and their families. Schools and families are partners, not just in keeping young people safe, but also in celebrating all students and their contributions to our communities. TNTP applauds those districts that have taken immediate steps to acknowledge the fear students and their families are feeling and that are working to offer resources for their DACA students during this time. As an organization committed to educational equity, we say to those young people affected by yesterday’s announcement: We stand with you.
While we are in no position to legally advise families and educators, we do know that the administration’s next moves on DACA will affect many in the communities we partner with. We’ve updated our resources list, originally published in February, to include some specific guidance on what President Trump’s announcement means for current students, and how educators can address the news in their classrooms. We will continue to update these resources as new ones come to our attention.
Five things educators should know about Trump’s announcement to end DACA. (Here to Stay)
Frequently asked questions about DACA’s termination. (Here to Stay)
A frequently updated list of resources on everything from creating safe spaces in schools to understanding your rights as an undocumented student. (Teach For America)
Tools and resources to help prepare youth and families in case of an ICE immigration raid (United We Dream, AFT, National Immigration Law Center, First Focus)
Fact sheet for families and school staff on limitations on immigration enforcement actions at “sensitive locations” like schools and bus stops (ACLU)
Guidance on how schools can help immigrant families post-election (Immigrant Legal Resource Center)
Guidance on ICE access to student records and what to do in the event of requests for student interviews (New York State Education Department and State of New York Office of the Attorney General)
Immigration toolkit for educators (United We Dream)
