By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Fear of deportation has infiltrated New Haven’s schools, causing distress among students and educators. Despite the district’s efforts to build trust and support immigrant families, including providing legal information and resources, enrollment of English language learners has decreased. The constant threat of immigration enforcement, stemming from policy changes, has led to increased anxiety and absences, with students and their families altering their lives and futures due to the fear of detention and deportation. This reality is impacting students’ participation in school, and affecting their academic aspirations.
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It’s not an overstatement to say that fear is gripping Connecticut communities, and that fear is directly impacting our children’s education.
There are kids not going to school, and the driving force behind this heartbreaking situation is the fear of ICE. Parents, understandably terrified, are making the agonizing decision to keep their children home, away from classrooms, sports, and all the crucial experiences that shape a child’s life. This isn’t just about missing a day of class; it’s about the potential for children to witness the trauma of their parents being detained, separated from them, and even deported. It’s a reality that no child should have to face, and the shadow of ICE is making that a stark possibility for far too many families. The impact extends beyond just the kids, touching even young adults who, having aged out of foster care, often lack the proper identification and therefore are more vulnerable to ICE. This is a cruel reality, and it’s happening right here, within our borders.
The ripple effects of this fear are far-reaching. The focus shifts from education and opportunities to simple survival. People are afraid to leave their homes, missing essential medical appointments, college classes, and jobs, all out of a desperate need to stay safe. It’s a form of societal paralysis, fueled by a justifiable fear of state action. This is the goal; this is what is desired by those who wish to instill fear to achieve their ends.
We are forced to confront the harsh reality that some communities are living in a constant state of anxiety, knowing that at any moment, ICE could sweep in and disrupt their lives. The children of undocumented immigrants are entitled to a public education, as established by the Supreme Court. However, the actions of ICE, like random profiling, create an atmosphere of intimidation. Even documented families, American citizens, feel the sting of this fear, observing the harassment and detentions of their peers.
The situation is worsened by the fact that the government appears more focused on increasing deportation numbers than on acting in good faith. Instead, they’re targeting those people the government has labeled as “undesirables” and this is a fear that will continue to grow. To add to the chaos, authorities are ignoring the value of government issued identification cards, passports, or birth certificates. DNA is not the answer and instead could make it easier to detain innocent people.
When people feel threatened, and they see no recourse, they will find other means to defend themselves, and to help protect their families. It is important for people to understand that it is through a united voice, one that is willing to stand together, protect their neighbors, and to say no to the policies that are hurting our families. If we want kids to be able to go to school, we must stand against those who are keeping them from doing so.