Immigration
Phone: 720-972-6015 - Contact Student & Family Outreach
In our diverse community of more than 38,000 students, we recognize some students and their families may be struggling with intensely personal questions and concerns about the national landscape regarding immigration. Our critical mission – and our obligation under the law – is to ensure our schools are safe learning environments where a student’s race, ethnicity, religion and immigration status do not create any barriers to that child’s education.
To assist this mission, we want to share answers to the following questions regarding immigration:
Download a printable PDF of the Immigration FAQ: English | Spanish
- What impact does undocumented immigration status have on my child’s education?
- Does Adams 12 Five Star Schools ask for a child’s immigration status when he or she enrolls?
- Would the school district ever share our students’ immigration status with federal immigration officials?
- Do we know whether there will be any immigration enforcement actions on school grounds?
- If I am a parent or guardian and I am worried about being detained while my child is at school, what should I do?
- What about if I am a DACA recipient?
- What should I do if I want to understand my immigration rights?
- What does Adams 12 Five Star Schools do to ensure that no student or family is discriminated against or harassed because of their race, ethnicity, religion or national origin?
- Does immigration-refuge status affect free and reduced meal benefits?
- What should I do if I feel like my student or I have been the victim of discrimination or harassment in an Adams 12 school or sponsored event?
- Where can I find additional resources?
What impact does undocumented immigration status have on my child’s education?
None. All children have a constitutional right to have equal access to education regardless of their immigration status or their parents’ status.
Does Adams 12 Five Star Schools ask for a child’s immigration status when he or she enrolls?
No. Public school districts, like Adams 12 Five Star Schools, have a legal obligation to enroll students regardless of their immigration status and without discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin.
Would the school district ever share our students’ immigration status with federal immigration officials?
As mandated by the law, Adams 12 Five Star Schools does not ask for immigration status when students enroll. In addition, if we became aware of a student’s lack of immigration status, we would not voluntarily share that information with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and only would if required by law. If we get a request for student information, the district legal office will work to adhere to all privacy laws.
Do we know whether there will be any immigration enforcement actions on school grounds?
As of today, we believe the federal government is still following guidance that designates schools as sensitive locations where immigration enforcement actions should not happen.
If I am a parent or guardian and I am worried about being detained while my child is at school, what should I do?
In the event that any parents are detained during school hours, the district will engage our crisis and emergency response protocols to support our students. Please take this opportunity to update your emergency contact information for your students either at your school or in Parent Portal.
What about if I am a DACA recipient?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is based on an order by the president. Any president could choose to rescind that order. If you are a recipient of DACA, consider reaching out to an immigration attorney now in order to determine if you have access to a better form of immigration status. Additional information can be found on our student and family resource page.
What should I do if I want to understand my immigration rights?
Only immigration attorneys can provide you with accurate advice about immigration status and how you can pursue any legal rights you might have. For your own protection, please do not seek the advice of notaries or others who are not licensed immigration attorneys. A list of available resources can be found on our student and family resource page.
What does Adams 12 Five Star Schools do to ensure that no student or family is discriminated against or harassed because of their race, ethnicity, religion or national origin?
Adams 12 Five Star Schools believes deeply in ensuring equity. We have policies in place that mandate no discrimination or harassment for our students, families or employees on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin and many other protected classes.
Does immigration-refuge status affect free and reduced meal benefits?
No. United States citizenship or immigration status is not a condition of eligibility for free and reduced price benefits. To clarify questions related to immigration status when applying for free or reduced price school meals, Five Star Schools prepared a collection of questions and answers. (English - Spanish)
What should I do if I feel like my student or I have been the victim of discrimination or harassment in an Adams 12 school or sponsored event?
If the discrimination took place in a district school or at a district sponsored event, please report the behavior immediately to a school leader or to the superintendent. Complaints and concerns can be filed using the procedures in Superintendent Policy 8400:5.4. We take these complaints seriously to assure that our schools continue to be safe learning environments.
Where can I find additional resources?
The best place to ask further questions is with your school leadership or counselors. For additional help, Adams 12 Five Star Schools works with several local organizations that provide immigration support as well as additional supports for students and families.