Schools Under Siege

Using original data, this book confronts the ways, direct and indirect, in which US Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies disrupt education. It explores the impact of these policies not only on the students at risk for being directly affected by enforcement, but also the consequences for their classmates, educators, and communities.

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Using original qualitative and quantitative data, Schools Under Siege confronts the many ways, direct and indirect, in which US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies and practices disrupt education. The book explores the impact of these policies not only on the six-million-plus K–12 students in the US at risk for being directly affected by enforcement, but also the wide-ranging consequences for their classmates, educators, and communities.

Fear, stress, and trauma invoked by the threat of ICE detention and deportation contribute to increased absenteeism, decreased student achievement, and parent disengagement. Bullying becomes more widespread, and a multitude of other effects impact school climate and student health and well-being. Amplifying the burden, these effects are experienced disproportionately in poorly funded districts and Title I schools and are felt more acutely among vulnerable populations such as immigrant students, English language learners, and Latinx students.

Schools Under Siege highlights the work of teachers, counselors, and administrators who are addressing these day-to-day challenges in support of students and families. It provides a profile of a model sanctuary school and offers practical advice for how educators, local government, and nonprofit agencies can work together to mitigate the collateral damage of immigration enforcement. The book suggests ways in which concerned persons can advocate for immigration policy reform at the local, state, and federal levels.

Ultimately, editors Patricia GÁndara and Jongyeon Ee chart a course into a future that makes good on the promise of equitable education for all students.