Immigration Resources
Information as of January 17, 2025.
Overview
Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) is committed to the safety and education of all students, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, country of origin, or a student’s immigration status (Board Policy 0410: Nondiscrimination In District Programs And Activities).
Current Immigration Law and Protection for Students
Federal and California laws guarantee that all children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to a free public education (Plyler v. Doe, 1982). In California, additional protections, such as those under Assembly Bill 699, ensure that schools:
- Do Not Discriminate: All students, including those who are undocumented or come from immigrant families, have the right to attend public school, participate in school activities, and receive a quality education without discrimination.
- Provide a Safe School Environment: Schools are generally prohibited from granting access to campus by immigration enforcement officers in the absence of a judicial warrant or court order. All subpoenas, court orders, and warrants will be processed through the Office of Student Services. Schools are prohibited from requesting social security numbers or inquiring about the citizenship or immigration status of students or their parents or guardians unless explicitly required by law.
- Maintain Confidentiality of Student Information: Schools must protect the privacy of students. Schools are prohibited from sharing personal information about students or their family members for immigration-enforcement purposes without a court order or judicial subpoena. Our district policies reflect these commitments, including Board Policy 5145.13, which safeguards student rights and guides how to handle immigration-related concerns.
FAQs
- Are public K-12 schools in the United States required to provide a free public education to all students, regardless of immigration status?
- Does NMUSD ask for the immigration status of a student or family member?
- Does NMUSD share a student’s immigration status or confidential student records information with federal immigration officials?
- Can federal immigration officials come onto NMUSD campuses?
- What should school employees do if immigration agents ask about the immigration status of students or their families?
- What should school employees do if immigration or law enforcement officials provide a warrant for an arrest?
- How do I respond if a student's family member is detained and/or deported?
- What should I do if I have more questions about immigration laws and procedures?
Are public K-12 schools in the United States required to provide a free public education to all students, regardless of immigration status?
Does NMUSD ask for the immigration status of a student or family member?
Does NMUSD share a student’s immigration status or confidential student records information with federal immigration officials?
Can federal immigration officials come onto NMUSD campuses?
What should school employees do if immigration agents ask about the immigration status of students or their families?
What should school employees do if immigration or law enforcement officials provide a warrant for an arrest?
How do I respond if a student's family member is detained and/or deported?
What should I do if I have more questions about immigration laws and procedures?
Immigration Resources
Please note: This does not constitute legal advice or guidance.
The information and resources provided below are offered strictly as a courtesy for your convenience. They are not intended to serve as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified attorney or other appropriate professional for any questions or concerns regarding your specific situation.
Save Our Youth – Junta De Padres - Sobre temas de inmigración - 11 de febrero
- ACSA-F3: Undocumented Students and Families
- ACSA-F3: Estudiantes y Familias Indocumentadas
- EdSource: What rights do immigrant students and families have in California schools and colleges?
- CA Dept. of Justice: Immigration-Enforcement Actions at California Schools
- CA Dept. of Justice: Medidas de control de immigración en las escuelas de California
- OC Social Services Agency - Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs
- OC Social Services Agency - Orange County Resource Guide (added 1/23/2025)
- National Immigration Law Center - Factsheet on Protected Areas Policies (added 1/23/2025)
- 211
- Immigration Services
- Know Your Rights
- National Immigration Law Center
- OC Immigrant Youth United
- OC Justice Fund
- Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living
- Public Law Center
- SIREN
- Solidarity-Camino Immigration Services
- World Relief Southern California