Dear MASFEC Community,
As we take in the current political landscape and activities, we want to emphasize the steadfast support that our team still has for our immigrant, newcomer, and multilingual communities: we are still here for you. While it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant shifts in policies and news cycles, we must remind ourselves that change can take time, and our commitment to supporting our communities is unwavering. We remain a pillar for our families and educators to express their concerns, receive referrals, and find community. Together, how should we move forward and what should we do next?
1. Take a deep breath. While it may seem impossible to keep up with the influx of news and policies, government activity such as executive orders cannot override the Constitution or change the law. We are actively keeping track of political movement and potential policy changes, and our resources and services still remain available.
2. Know your rights. Your rights still exist. Read through policy guidance and your legal rights below:
- Basic Rights in Education (English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Arabic) – Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC)
- Know Your Rights: Immigrants – American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Massachusetts
- Know Your Rights: Fact Sheets – Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA)
- Know Your Rights Resource List – UnidosUS Affiliates
- Know Your Rights Cards (Available in 16 languages)
- Legal Guidance
- All children, regardless of immigration status, have a constitutional right to a free public education from kindergarten to 12th grade. Learn more: History of Plyler v. Doe – Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)
- ICE Action Plan – ImmSchools
- Immigrant Families and Students Messaging – Leading Now
- Immigrant Students’ Rights to Attend Public Schools: School Opening Alert and Resources – Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA)
3. Stay informed on resources and support. By staying informed, supporting one another, and building networks of solidarity, we can create spaces of safety and belonging.
- National policy platform on newcomer support: National Newcomer Network
- Take action with families for immigration enforcement and ICE: Talk & Plan
- Resources: Immigration Enforcement and Schools – MASFEC
- Creating a Family Immigration Raid Emergency Plan – American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
- Emergency Planning with Parents Who Fear Deportation – The City University of New York (CUNY)
- Preparing Families for Immigration Enforcement Actions – MASFEC
- Talking to Students and Families About Increased Immigration Enforcement – MASFEC
- Pass out Red Cards that highlight all people’s constitutional rights and protections, regardless of immigration status. This information is FREE. See the following resource for downloads of multiple languages: Immigrant Legal Resource Center Red Cards – ILRC
4. Connect with your communities. In a time when divisiveness threatens to become the norm, we must center empathy, active listening, love, and joy. Looking for the right words to say? Here’s some guidance:
- Dear School Districts: “Immigrant” is Not a Bad Word – Immigrant Connections
- Fostering Belonging: A Guide to Addressing Anti-Immigrant Bullying in Schools – Re-Imagining Migration
- “A Public School’s Guide to Enrolling and Supporting Immigrant Students” – (EdWeek)
- Welcoming, Registering, and Supporting Newcomer Students: A Toolkit for Educators of Immigrant and Refugee Students in Secondary Schools – Institute of Education Sciences
- 5 Ways to Support Newcomers in Your Classroom – Internationals Network for Public Schools
5. Join our Newcomer Resource Hub. In this free hub of consolidated resources and forum discussions, connect with other educators and professionals. Stay informed of basic needs services that still exist in Massachusetts.
Even when faced with adversity, we can make a difference by taking small steps to advocate for what is right, showing up for one another, and fostering environments where everyone has access to resources and support. The heart of our mission remains to ensure that every individual feels seen, heard, and protected. Reach out to us through sfecma@fcsn.org – we’ll be here.
In solidarity,
MASFEC
