Allentown School District Stands Firm Against Trump Immigration Policies: What This Means for Immigrant Students and Families

As immigration enforcement policies continue to shift under the Trump administration, concerns are growing within immigrant communities about the impact on students and families. In a recent move, the Allentown School District (“ASD”) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its students, ensuring that schools remain safe spaces for learning—regardless of immigration status. The district’s proactive stance underscores the critical role educational institutions play in upholding the rights of immigrant students, particularly in light of federal policies that have increased immigration enforcement efforts across the country. For families in Pennsylvania, especially in the Lehigh Valley, understanding how these changes may affect them is essential.

Allentown School District’s Commitment to Student Protection

Superintendent Carol Birks recently assured parents and students that the district will take all necessary steps to comply with the law while ensuring that immigrant families feel safe. ASD, which serves a diverse population with a significant number of immigrant students, is reviewing its policies to ensure they align with constitutional protections and existing “Welcoming Schools” resolutions.

This includes working closely with legal counsel to determine how best to handle interactions with immigration authorities and non-local law enforcement on school property. Additionally, the district has pledged to provide staff with training on how to respond to situations involving immigration enforcement.

One key policy under review is Policy 200, which ensures that ASD does not require students or families to disclose their immigration status when enrolling in school. This aligns with Plyler v. Doe (1982), a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that established the right of all children, regardless of immigration status, to receive a public education.

How Immigration Policies Are Affecting Schools

Under the Trump administration’s renewed immigration enforcement policies, local school districts across the country are grappling with increased concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, raids, deportations, and their impact on students. The rescission of previous federal guidelines that designated schools as “sensitive locations” means that, in theory, immigration enforcement actions could take place on school grounds under certain circumstances. This has led to heightened anxiety among immigrant families, many of whom fear sending their children to school, as noted in our past blog.

ASD’s commitment to student protection sends a strong message: schools should remain safe spaces, free from immigration enforcement actions that could disrupt a child’s education. By taking a proactive stance, the district is ensuring that students and families have clear guidance on their rights and the protections available to them.

Legal Protections for Immigrant Students in Pennsylvania

For immigrant families in Allentown, Philadelphia, and across Pennsylvania, understanding their legal rights is crucial. The following protections remain in place:

• Public Education is a Right: Under Plyler v. Doe, all children—regardless of immigration status—have the right to attend public school. Schools cannot deny admission based on lack of legal immigration status.

• FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): Schools are prohibited from sharing student records, including information that might indicate immigration status, without parental consent or a legal requirement.

• Protection from ICE in Schools: Although federal guidelines have changed, immigration enforcement actions on school property remain rare. Families should be aware of their rights and work with community organizations to stay informed.

Allentown School District’s stance is an important step in ensuring that students feel safe, supported, and able to focus on their education without fear of immigration enforcement. In a time of uncertainty for many immigrant families, the district’s commitment to student protection highlights the importance of local advocacy and legal awareness.

For families navigating immigration concerns, seeking legal guidance from an experienced immigration attorney is essential. If you or a loved one need assistance with immigration petitions, asylum claims, or protection from deportation, contact Lehigh Valley Immigration Law LLC today at Alex@LehighValleyImmigrationLawyers.com.

We are here to help you understand your rights and secure a stable future for you and your family.