DEC Statement on Children and Immigration Policy
The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is an international professional organization dedicated to advancing equity and supporting families, young children with or at risk for developmental delays and disabilities, and those who care for and educate them. At the heart of DEC’s work is a collective responsibility to address and dismantle systemic inequities that negatively impact young children and their families. DEC is committed to shaping leadership, research, policy, and practices that ensure every child and family can thrive.
The Trump administration has proposed drastic cuts in legal immigration, unlike any seen since the Immigration Act of 1924. The White House plan proposes to vastly reshape and reduce the legal immigration system, in particular by taking aim at family reunification. Whether or when other policies will be announced is unclear.
As advocates for young children and their families, it is imperative to address the implications of enhanced immigration enforcement actions within our communities. The decision to allow law enforcement to conduct arrests in sensitive environments such as schools, faith-based organizations, and healthcare facilities raises serious concerns regarding the health, well being, safety, and security of all community members, including children, families, and essential service providers.
For children, especially those in their critical early years, stability and family support are essential for healthy development. This is even more pronounced for children with disabilities, who often rely on consistent family care and support. Supporting strong, unified families in the early years lays the foundation for children’s long-term success and resilience, benefiting not just the families themselves but society as a whole.
Research on child development, especially in brain development is also clear. The trauma resulting from separation of children from their families will create long lasting negative impacts and puts these children at significant risk for social, emotional, physical, and other delays and disabilities, both now and through the lifespan. Children who witness events such as a deportation raid are put at risk. This is true regardless if a family member is involved or not. Children who are separated from family members are at increased risk of disability which grows the longer they are denied a close and loving relationship with a loved one. These conditions are particularly devastating for children already experiencing a delay or diagnosed condition.
We are committed to ensuring that our learning environments which include homes, schools, early care and education facilities, playgrounds, libraries, and other places young children and their families gather to learn and play remain places of gathering and engagement where all are welcomed and feel safe. Furthermore, we are committed to assuring families feel safe in seeking medical care for their children, especially children with disabilities and significant health needs.
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The constitutional rights afforded to all individuals in the United States, irrespective of their immigration status, must be emphasized and upheld. The apprehension felt by educators, students, and families about their security and legal standing cannot be overstated. The reality is that the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in these vital spaces poses not only a direct threat to undocumented individuals but also creates a pervasive atmosphere of fear that can hinder engagement, learning, and community cohesion.
All students have a right to enroll in public school, regardless of their immigration status.
Under the U.S. Constitution, public schools must teach all students free of charge, regardless of whether they are undocumented.
States cannot withhold state funding for K-12 education because undocumented students are enrolled, and school districts cannot deny enrollment based on immigration status.
Sometimes called a “Plyler right,” the understanding that undocumented students may not be denied access to public education was first recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court in its decision in Plyler v. Doe (1982).
Educators, children, families, and relatives are understandably concerned about the safety of their families and communities.
To the families we serve, while it is our hope that young children and their families never have to separate from each other, it is a good practice to have a plan in place to help reduce the stress of the unexpected. Providing the program or school that serves your child a list of trusted adults in case you are unable to reach your child is critical. Developing a contingency plan for families, particularly those with young children, is not merely advisable; it is essential. Such plans can significantly alleviate the stress associated with potential immigration actions and foster a sense of security for those at risk.
Furthermore, it is the responsibility of community leaders, educators, and service providers to disseminate accurate information regarding the rights of all individuals under U.S. law. It is critical for every member of our communities—documented or undocumented—to be aware of their rights, especially the right to remain silent during interactions with law enforcement agencies, including ICE. This knowledge is not just a safeguard; it is a necessary tool for empowerment and protection against potential abuses of power.
It remains unclear how the Trump administration will handle a number of other important immigration issues.
DEC is committed to supporting young children and their families. Be assured that the health, safety, and well-being of the families served by our programs, you, and your colleagues are held by each of us and is the foundation of decisions made in this organization. We will use our voice towards this commitment.
DEC Executive Board
DEC Executive Director
Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children
Resources
Know Your Rights, Safe Space Policy Guides, Emergency Preparedness, and other Resources: CLASP, Children Thrive Action Network, and other partners created this resource document to help support early education, K-12, housing, and healthcare providers and local jurisdictions in keeping their locations and facilities safe from immigration enforcement. This page provides a list of resources on how to support immigrant children and families, know your rights information, and other helpful materials on the topic. Toolkit: Protecting Immigrant Families Facing Deportation
ILRC Community Resources: Community Resources | Immigrant Legal Resource Center | ILRC
Red Cards/Tarjeta Rojas: Red Cards are available to print in over a dozen languages at ILRC
Resources for Immigrants, Refugees, Asylees and other New Americans: Educational Resources from the Department of Education
Find a Legal Services Provider: The Immigration Advocates Network National Immigration Legal Services Directory lists nonprofit organizations that provide free or low-cost immigration legal services. You can use it to find an immigration service provider near you for a consultation. Non-Profit Legal Directory
Immigrant Legal Resource Center: Legal Listservs
If you find that any of the links are broken, please email dec@dec-sped.org. Thank you.
