(This post is part of a series where we are discussing the experiences of undocumented folks and their families navigating this difficult period in order to raise awareness and increase support for those affected. If you have resources to share, please comment below. If you work at a school or organization, and are interested in hosting a talk, see the range of presentations we provide here.)
In recent months, there has been an ongoing expansion and intensification of enforcement activities (such as arrests, raids, and sightings of immigration officers) across the country. Consequently, many undocumented and mixed-status families (where at least one member is undocumented) are grappling with the threat and reality of deportations. If you are an educator, counselor, or staff member working directly with a student whose loved one is deported, there are several ways you can support them.
Because immigration officers predominantly target working class fathers this post uses the example of a student whose parent is deported. However, it is important to note that students may also have siblings, mothers, partners, uncles, aunts, or other relatives and friends who are deported. Moreover, a student may have more than one member who is deported, either at the same time or on separate occasions. This post outlines some of the ways educators, counselors, and staff members can support students navigating these circumstances. (To better understand the expansion of enforcement practices and its consequences on young adults and their families, check out the book, Sanctuary Making).
The first step is to understand how a parent’s immigration arrest (and subsequent detention/deportation) impacts the entire family. Immediately after an arrest, students and their families are grappling with an acute sense of vulnerability and uncertainty. Where is my parent being detained? How is their health? Will immigration officers return to arrest other members? Will my parent be deported? Is there anything that can be done to prevent their deportation? What will happen to our family if we are separated? Because immigration arrests are often traumatic (as documented in the books, Separated and Forgotten Citizens), students who witnessed their parent being arrested are also often grappling with a sense of powerlessness, frustration, and trauma.
To help a student process these emotions, you may consider referring them to trustworthy mental health resources. You may ask people within your network for recommendations and compile a list that you can then share with a student. It is helpful to have this list prepared ahead of time so that when a student approaches you about their situation, the list is ready to be shared. For students in California, Immigrants Rising has a Mental Health Connector that can direct them to psychological support. United We Dream also has an UndocuMental Health Directory that features information about licensed mental health professionals. The key is to identify people that are trained in providing mental health services, can be trusted, and are knowledgeable about the lived experiences of undocumented and mixed-status families.
Relatedly, is is helpful to compile a list of resources available on- and off-campus, including information about food pantries, emergency grants, and legal services.
Following a parent’s arrest, a student may also be grappling with a sudden and significant increase in responsibilities. If a student is 18 or older, for example, they may be compelled to become the primary financial provider of the household. This is in addition to helping their family with rides, household chores, errands, and caretaking. To this end, you may acknowledge the stress they are under, check-in about the kinds of academic support that would be helpful for them (more on this below), and suggest that they connect with immigrant-led organizations for additional support. Immigrant-led networks can be an important avenue to build a sense of trust, obtain support, and learn about direct services available.
A parent’s arrest can also significantly impact a student’s ability to concentrate in school, participate in class, attend school, and complete assignments. Some students may even consider dropping out altogether to focus on working. (This is especially the case if a student is 18 years or older). It can be helpful to set up a check-in with the student or their parent and have a conversation around the kinds of academic support that would be most helpful to them.
Throughout this work, it is also key to foster a safe space for students, whether that is your classroom or office. This can be done by displaying Know Your Rights cards (the ILRC offers free KYR card downloads in multiple languages) or UndocuAlly posters (see for example, this poster designed by the UndocuResearch project). By cultivating a safe space, you are communicating to students that they can reach out to you for questions and concerns if and when they are having immigration-related concerns, such as following a parent’s arrest.
Below is a list of additional resources:
“How Immigration Enforcement Impacts Families” (My Undocumented Life) — “In recent days, there has been a significant increase in enforcement activities across the country. In California, concerning news of raids in or near churches, car washes, Home Depot, and farms have surfaced. As a result, families are contending with acute levels of fear and stress. This can prevent families from safely seeking resources and support when in need, including medical services. It can also disrupt their daily routines, commutes, and ability to rest.”
“How to Support Immigrant Families Amid Heightened Enforcement: 12 Practical Recommendations” (My Undocumented Life) — “As rumors of immigration raids continue to circulate across the country, families often feel compelled to shelter in place and limit their time outdoors to minimize risk. Many also hesitate to seek resources out of fear of encountering immigration officers, having their data being shared with immigration authorities, or being reported. Young adults face tremendous pressure to support their loved ones financially, emotionally, and materially.”
“List of Rapid Response Networks Across the Country” (My Undocumented Life) — “In light of troubling reports about immigration enforcement activities across the country, it is important to know your rights and be aware of available resources. One key resource is what’s commonly known as “rapid response networks.” These networks typically verify immigration enforcement activities in their local communities and share information about confirmed incidents. In this post, you’ll find information about trustworthy rapid response networks across the country.”
“How Faculty and Staff Can Support Undocumented & DACAmented Students Amid Growing Fear and Worry” (My Undocumented Life) — “As faculty and staff members in higher education who directly interact with students, there are several steps you can take to support immigrant college students and their families during these challenging times.” This post features ten detailed recommendations.
“Providing Direct Assistance for Detained Immigrant Youth & Parents” (My Undocumented Life) — “Given that immigration arrests severely impact individuals’ well-being, daily routines, and finances, families are also often in need of direct financial support. Under these circumstances, several immigrant young adults and allies have created online fundraisers to help alleviate the costs associated with securing legal support, mental health services, and housing, among other needs.” This post features fundraisers and petitions of immigrant young adults who are reaching out for support.
“Supporting Immigrant Students and Families Toolkit” (Los Angeles County Office of Education) — “This toolkit includes legal assistance, know your rights guidance, emergency planning resources and support services for students and families.”
“How to help kids cope with ongoing ICE raids, deportations” (EdSource) — “To help them feel safe, school counselors and child psychologists recommend that families have truthful, open conversations about sweeps, rather than trying to shield them. Ahmanise Sanati, a school social worker in Los Angeles who works with children from immigrant communities as well as those unhoused, said families should start by asking children: “What have you heard?” and “How are you feeling?” They should then validate their child’s feelings of confusion, anxiety, grief or concern in developmentally appropriate ways, she said.”
“Preparing for ICE Raids” (Arkansas Immigrant Defense) — “Arkansas Immigrant Defense (AID) is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to serving immigrant and refugee child survivors of trafficking and violence. This guide is intended to protect immigrant and refugee children from the extremely heightened vulnerability to trafficking and violence that is inherent to mass deportation raids.”
“Know Your Rights: What to Do if You or a Loved One is Detained” (National Immigrant Justice Center) — “This resource is designed to help immigrants and their families better understand what to do when someone is detained by immigration officials.”
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At My Undocumented Life we provide up-to-date information and resources for undocumented immigrants and allies. We post scholarship opportunities that are open to undocumented students, strategies for navigating the educational system, information on how to apply for DACA/Advance Parole, news on DAPA, and much more. Most importantly, we want to provide a sense of community to our diverse group of readers. Learn more about our work here: “About Us“
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Categories: Educators/Counselors, Recommendations, UndocuAlly
Supporting Undocumented Students During Uncertain Times
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