Guidance & Model Policies to Assist CA's K-12 Schools in Responding to Immigration Issues

California Department of Justice, Updated December 2024

The above 54 page guidance document is split into five sections:

1. Gathering & Handling Student & Family Information

2. Sharing Student & Family Information

3. Responding to Requests for Access to School Grounds for Immigration Enforcement Purposes

4. Responding to the Detention of Deportation of a Student’s Family Member

5. Responding to Hate Crimes & Bullying Related to National Origin or Ethnicity

Per Assembly Bill 699, schools may not collect information about families’ immigration status during enrollment, and LEAs must pass policies limiting assistance with immigration enforcement at public schools.

Quick Reference for School Officials

California Department of Justice, sent in February 4th press release

This two-page document is a concise guide for school & district staff seeking guidance on two questions:

• What to do if an immigration-enforcement officer comes to your schools?

• What to do if an immigration-enforemnt officer requests personal information about a student or his/her family members?

This document is also available in Spanish.

Immigration-Enforcement Actions at California Schools: Guide for Students and Families

California Department of Justice, sent in February 4th press release

This two-page document is a concise guide for immigrant students and families split into sections:

• Know Your Educational Rights

• Checklist for Immigrant Students and Families Attending Public Schools

• Resources

This document is also available in Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

Reminder of Obligation to Protect Immigrant Families' Rights to Access Public Education

California Department of Education, Letter to Superintendents and School Administrators, January 21st 2025

This letter asserts that all children in the United States, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, have a right to a free and appropriate public education. It consolidates resources, policy, and references for school district staff.

The letter also “encourages LEAs to review, update, or adopt policies if not yet adopted in accordance with the guidance” cited in the letter.