Statement on the Violation of the Human Rights of Haitian Migrants at the U.S. Border
We are currently witnessing images of the inhumane treatment and the violent expulsion of Haitian families and children seeking asylum at the U.S. border. We must be clear that the mass deportation of Black immigrants is not new and has been reinforced by administrations across the political spectrum.
Despite the undeniable need, U.S. immigration policy has continuously failed morally. Currently, asylum-seekers are being systematically returned to their home country without the opportunity to exercise their right to apply for asylum.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, approximately 40,552 school-age children arrived in the country in 2019. Our education and immigration systems must ensure equity and justice for these students and for new arrivals. As an organization working at the intersection of immigrant and education justice, protecting the rights of Black migrant children and families who are seeking asylum is an obligation we will honor unapologetically.
A few months ago, the Biden administration expanded Temporary Protected Status, effectively recognizing that Haitian children and families satisfy the argument that the conditions in their home country were unsafe for repatriation. Without action, the administration is expected to expel thousands of asylum seekers in the coming weeks, without any consideration of their safety.
The lives of thousands of children and families are on the line and we must denounce the violence committed by both state actors and broader federal policy. We must do so until those who are most vulnerable are safe. We must not forget that we all deserve the right to safety and must be in solidarity with those fighting for it.
We see time and time again the extent to which xenophobic and racist policies undermine the lives of Black children and families and must not shy away from condemning these actions and fighting for justice.
OUR COMMITMENTOur Commitmenttransforming schools into safe and welcoming spaces for undocumented students and families
transforming schools into safe and welcoming spaces for undocumented students and families
transforming schools into safe and welcoming spaces for undocumented students and families
Statement on the Results of the 2020 Presidential Election
Following the results of the 2020 presidential election, the mission of ImmSchools remains as bold and necessary as ever. In response to the election of President-elect Joe Biden, we stand committed to the fight for concrete action to protect the millions of undocumented and immigrant families who were not eligible to vote in this election but who continue to shape and change this country in powerful ways.
The fight for the rights of the undocumented community will continue regardless of who is in power. America’s multiracial, multiethnic electorate delivered a loud and clear mandate for transformative solutions to build a vibrant and healthy country -- and it includes a new immigration initiative with a path to citizenship that will keep families together and safe. This mandate applies to any administration in power and we stand prepared to demand accountability with and on behalf of our community. The fight for the rights of the undocumented community did not begin with Trump’s election and does not end with President-elect Biden’s election.
As an immigrant-led organization, ImmSchools is fighting to transform schools into safe and welcoming spaces for immigrant families while recognizing the beauty, power, and leadership of our community. Together with our cross-movement partners, we will continue to do the difficult and bold work of protecting those whose rights continue to be suppressed by our political system.
One thing is inevitable: ImmSchools and the immigrant community will continue to shape and improve this country. Because we belong here and will assert and defend our rights with dignity and conviction.
In solidarity,
ImmSchools Co-Founders
Viridiana Carrizales (She/Her), Vanessa Luna (She/Her), Lorena Tule-Romain (She/Her)
As the COVID-19 crisis continues, it is evident that it has exacerbated the inequities experienced by immigrant families. ImmSchools has been providing financial assistance since April to support those affected by the pandemic and is accepting donations to continue this work. That's why this #GivingTuesday we invite you to donate and participate in our Instagram Family Fund Auction to raise funds to help immigrant families cover basic necessities.
ImmSchools
We are an immigrant-led nonprofit partnering with educators and community leaders to ensure safe and inclusive schools for undocumented and mixed-status students and families.
OUR PROGRAMour hopeResearch indicates that students need a safe and supportive environment in order to learn. For undocumented and mixed-status students across the United States, fear for their safety and of losing their families to deportation or violence is real, and can impact their academic, social, and emotional success. We envision a world where undocumented and mixed-status students of all background see schools as safe havens and thrive in life.
ImmSchools Three-Pronged Approach
Our holistic approach works to partner with schools and the immigrant community to effectively support and impact undocumented students and families.
We work with educators to hone the knowledge, skills, and capacity to support undocumented students and families through educational workshops.
Push and work with school districts pass and implement effective immigrant-friendly policies and resolutions through advocacy.
Bring together schools and local organizations to work in partnership to support undocumented students and families through community building.
OUR IMPACT
immigrant students, families & educators
participated in ImmSchools programming across the New York city, Camden, Dallas, & San Antonio regions
total students supported
by eductators & administrative staff who have attended ImmSchools training
of educators & school staff
felt their training with ImmSchools increased their knowledge and felt better prepared to support students
school districts & partners
brought ImmSchools programming into their schools and organizations in the New York, New Jersey, and Texas regions
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