Dear friend,

As students make their way back to school this fall, we are paying close attention to the mounting challenges in our education system that are making it more difficult for students to receive a quality, safe, and inclusive education.

Immigrant students, including unaccompanied children and students in migrant families, often face additional barriers to receiving an education. For example, children or their parents may be asked for a Social Security Number, birth certificate, or documents that some students or families may not have. 

In 1982, the Supreme Court ruled in Plyler v. Doe that all children, regardless of immigration status, should have access to a K-12 public education. Despite this, students still encounter discrimination based on their immigration status or national origin.

NILC is working with the U.S. Department of Education, educators, advocates, and allies to remove educational barriers and to create an inclusive learning environment for all students. Together, we are calling on public schools to ensure every student in the United States has the opportunity to receive a quality education.

Friend, your support is critical to our work. Stand alongside us by adding your name to our resounding call for equal education for ALL students.

Thank you for your continued support, friend.  

Warmly,

Ignacia Rodriguez Kmec 
Senior Associate, Immigration Policy
National Immigration Law Center

P.S. Check out these two resources from the U.S. Department of Education on how educators and families can protect access to education for migrant and unaccompanied children.