In my first few years of teaching multilingual students and working with immigrant families, I vividly remember the uncertainty and anxiety that filled our classrooms as immigration policies changed seemingly overnight. I watched families worry about their futures, students question their safety, and staff struggle to respond compassionately and accurately. It was a challenging time, and I realized how crucial it was to be informed, supportive, and compliant—not just for legal reasons but to truly be an advocate for my students and their families.
Navigating these policy shifts isn’t easy, but we don’t have to do it alone. By staying informed, reassuring families, providing trusted resources, and building strong community partnerships, we can create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for every child, regardless of immigration status. Here are a few ways Title III/EL programs can lead the way.
Stay Informed
To navigate changing immigration policies effectively, it’s crucial to stay informed. Follow reputable sources and monitor official guidance from the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Justice. Regular updates help ensure that your district’s policies remain compliant, reducing confusion and potential legal issues.
By providing accurate, relevant resources, you empower families to make informed decisions about their children’s education and well-being.
For accurate and timely information, consider the following resources:
- Colorín Colorado for immigration policy updates and advocacy news.
- Education Week for in-depth analysis of education policy and its impact on English Learners.
- Larry Ferlazzo’s Blog for educational strategies and cultural sensitivity insights.
- National Immigration Law Center: Provides legal guidance, policy updates, and advocacy tools to protect immigrant rights.
- National Newcomer Network: Advocates for equitable education, offers policy insights, and supports community building for immigrant students.
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center: Supplies legal assistance, training, and community resources to navigate complex immigration laws.
Reassure Families and Students
A key responsibility for Title III and EL programs is to reassure families and students that they are safe and welcome at school.
Communicate clearly that every child—regardless of immigration status—has the right to attend public school. Consider hosting informational sessions or creating multilingual resources that explain students’ educational rights.
According to the National Newcomer Network, clear communication and community engagement are essential to building trust and reducing fears related to immigration status. Here are some simple ways to provide clear communication and engage families:
- Translate Materials: Ensure all communication is available in families’ preferred languages.
- Host Informational Sessions: Offer workshops or Q&A sessions to explain school policies and resources.
- Use Multiple Communication Channels: Utilize emails, phone calls, social media, and printed materials.
- Create a Welcoming Environment: Designate bilingual staff or volunteers to greet and assist families.
- Build Trust through Consistency: Communicate regularly, not just during crises or major events.
Offer Practical Staff Training
Your school staff is on the front lines of communication with families. Providing comprehensive training and practical resources helps create an inclusive school environment where all families feel welcome and respected.
Every school year, I would poll the staff to see what kind of training they wanted to build their capacity for working with multilingual students and their families. While instructional support was always popular, supporting families through immigration processes and policy was always at the top of the list as well.
Ensure they are well-prepared by offering training sessions or materials on:
- Privacy rights and legal obligations related to immigration status.
- Cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed practices to support newcomer students.
- How to connect families to local support services.
This EdWeek article on immigrant students’ rights for schools’ front-office staff has some practical tips:
- Schools must enroll eligible immigrant students regardless of legal status.
- English learners are entitled to English-language instruction and access to core academic content.
- Front-office staff play a crucial role in creating a welcoming environment.
- Best practices include understanding immigrant students’ rights, using inclusive registration procedures, and maintaining cultural sensitivity.
Partner with Community Experts
Building strong partnerships with community experts is essential for supporting newcomer families effectively. Some actionable steps to establish and leverage these collaborations are:
Identify Potential Community Partners:
- Local Immigration Attorneys: Connect with local law firms specializing in immigration law. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) offers a directory to help locate qualified attorneys in your area.
- Advocacy Groups: Reach out to organizations dedicated to immigrant rights and support. The National Immigration Project comprises attorneys and advocates focused on immigrant justice.
- Community Organizations: Engage with local nonprofits and cultural centers that serve immigrant populations. For instance, the Hand In Hand Multicultural Center provides legal assistance and support to diverse communities.
Leverage Community Partnerships:
- Legal Assistance Workshops: Collaborate with immigration attorneys to host “Know Your Rights” sessions, educating families about their legal protections and available resources.
- Resource Referrals: Establish a referral system with advocacy groups to connect families with services such as legal aid, housing assistance, and healthcare.
- Cultural Competency Training: Partner with community organizations to provide staff training on cultural sensitivity, enhancing the school’s ability to support diverse student backgrounds.
- Crisis Response Planning: Develop protocols with community experts to address potential immigration enforcement actions, ensuring families have access to immediate support and accurate information.
According to The Century Foundation, strong community networks enhance schools’ ability to respond effectively to changing immigration policies. Collaborating with these experts also demonstrates your district’s commitment to supporting multilingual families.
Proactive Support Amid Changing Policies
I remember the uncertainty and worry that often accompanied times of policy change in my classroom. But through proactive communication, trusted resources, and building strong community ties, we turned fear into empowerment. As Title III and EL program leaders, you have the opportunity to create that same safe, supportive space for your families and passionate educators.
While change is inevitable, preparation and compassion help guide our communities through it. Channeling worry into action has always been a strategy that worked for me, and the steps outlined here can lead to impactful, positive change for your families.
By focusing on clear communication, accessible resources, and strong community partnerships, Title III and EL directors can help newcomer families feel secure and supported, no matter what policy shifts lie ahead.
Stay proactive by regularly reviewing and updating your district’s policies and ensuring your team is prepared to address any questions or concerns from families.
Here are some guidance points for Title III and EL programs:
- Ensure all immigrant students can enroll without revealing their immigration status.
- Communicate clearly with families in their preferred language.
- Protect student privacy by not sharing immigration-related information.
- Provide staff training on cultural sensitivity, students’ rights, and responding to immigration-related inquiries.
- Build community partnerships for legal aid and support services.
- Stay informed about policy changes and advocacy opportunities.
For more details, visit: NILC, NNN, and ILRC.
For more resources and strategies on supporting multilingual learners, visit EduSkills.
