All students in the U.S. have a constitutionally protected right to education regardless of immigration status, supported by multiple legal frameworks:

 

 

FEDERAL PROTECTIONS

 

Plyler v. Doe (1982): Supreme Court ruling guarantees free public education for all children and prohibits states from creating enrollment barriers

Resources: Plyler Fact Sheet, Plyler Questions and Answers 

 

FERPA: Protects student record confidentiality, limiting information sharing with third parties including immigration officials except under specific legal circumstances

---

CALIFORNIA STATE LAWS

 

AB 699 (Safe Schools for Immigrant Students)

Prohibits collecting immigration status information
Requires policies preventing immigration enforcement on campus
Forbids immigration status-based discrimination
 
Education Code § 234.1: Explicitly prohibits discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on immigration status

---

RESOURCES

• Immigration and California families (all languages)
• Know Your Educational Rights-Guide for Students and Families (English)
• Know Your Educational Rights-Guide for Students and Families (Spanish)
• Family Preparedness Safety Plan (English)
• Family Preparedness Safety Plan (Spanish)
• Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
• National Immigration Legal Services Directory
• Watch: We have Rights Videos in multiple languages