Executive Orders on Immigration Will Harm Children, Families, and the Country 

On Monday night, President Trump signed a host of executive orders that jeopardize the safety and health of immigrant families and their children, almost all of whom are U.S. citizens, and threaten the economic stability of the entire country. 

CLASP responded quickly, releasing our first statement early Tuesday morning. We anticipate more damaging orders and policy decisions in the coming days and remain ready to respond swiftly and strongly.

Millions of Children Threatened by Repeal of “Protected Areas” Safeguards

On Tuesday afternoon, the Trump Administration’s Department of Homeland Security issued a press release announcing the repeal of the protected areas policy, which had limited immigration enforcement-related activities in and near schools, hospitals, disaster relief efforts, food pantries, and other places that provide essential services. 

CLASP’s statement describing the harm of this repeal was quoted in an Associated Press article that’s been republished in hundreds of media outlets.

A Guide to Creating “Safe Space” Policies for Early Childhood Programs

While the Trump Administration's actions are concerning, we know it’s important not to give in to alarm. To that end, CLASP has updated our “Safe Space” guide to reflect the administration’s repeal of the “protected areas” policy described above. Our guide provides information about designing and implementing “safe space” policies in child care settings and includes sample policy text that early childhood providers can adapt for their programs. We hope that this will help providers and families remain safe in the coming days and weeks.

Key Takeaways from the Ways & Means Hearing on the 2017 Tax Package

Even as much of the focus this month has been on the incoming administration, CLASP remains actively engaged with ongoing Congressional hearings and debates. Ashley Burnside’s new blog on the recent House Ways & Means hearing about the 2017 tax package, which is set to expire this year, explores key takeaways from the hearing. We were especially pleased to see that, during the hearing, Representative Sanchez (D-CA-38) asked a question about how the 2017 tax law widened racial and income inequality. 

In a new blog, “State Allocations for CCDBG Emergency Funding,” Rachel Wilensky and Stephanie Schmit discuss the allocations for all states from this American Relief Act funding.