Overview

• Trump's incoming administration has pledged mass deportations, raising fears of family separations and increased immigration enforcement, including at schools.
• K-12 schools and colleges are reviewing policies to protect undocumented students, emphasizing privacy rights under federal laws like FERPA.
• Educators are training staff to handle interactions with immigration officials and to support undocumented students and families facing heightened anxiety.
• Concerns have been raised about the potential misuse of student data, such as FAFSA information, for immigration enforcement purposes despite existing confidentiality protections.
• School districts in states like California and Arizona are adopting or renewing 'safe zone' policies to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities on school grounds.