{"id":355025,"date":"2016-04-04T11:01:49","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:01:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/education\/student-rights\/undocumented-students-and-the-law.html"},"modified":"2024-04-08T08:02:03","modified_gmt":"2024-04-08T13:02:03","slug":"undocumented-students-and-the-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/student-rights\/undocumented-students-and-the-law.html","title":{"rendered":"Undocumented Student Rights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Undocumented Student Rights<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/jade-yeban-j-d\/\">Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/susan-richmond-esq\/\">Susan Mills Richmond, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            April 08, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Undocumented students in the United States face unique challenges. These challenges may arise as students navigate their educational paths. Despite these obstacles, a framework of federal laws and state laws helps protect these&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/what-are-civil-rights.html\" title=\"What Are Civil Rights?\">students&#8217; civil rights<\/a>. This framework helps grant access to public education from kindergarten through secondary school.<\/p>\r\n<p>This legal foundation provides undocumented students with many educational opportunities. This helps safeguard these students&#8217; rights to attend school. It also protects their privacy. This also helps prohibit discrimination based on national origin or immigration status.<\/p>\r\n<p>These rights are a cornerstone of educational equity. They help affirm the commitment to offering all children the chance to pursue their dreams. This is true regardless of their legal status. Let&#8217;s explore the rights of undocumented students in more detail below.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Undocumented Students&#8217; Rights<\/h2>\r\n<p>Undocumented students in the United States have specific rights. These rights help ensure they can attend school and pursue their educational goals. These rights include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>Right to public education<\/b>:&nbsp;Federal law mandates this. Federal law mandates that all children have the right to attend public schools. This is true regardless of their&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration.html\" title=\"Immigration Law\">immigration status.<\/a>&nbsp;All students have the right to attend public elementary and secondary schools.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Protection under the Equal Protection Clause<\/b>:&nbsp;The Constitution ensures this clause. The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment14.html\" title=\"14th Amendment - Privileges and Immunities of Citizenship, Due Process, and Equal Protection\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Constitution&#8217;s Equal Protection Clause<\/a>&nbsp;guarantees all students equal access to education. This, of course, includes undocumented children.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Privacy of student records<\/b>:&nbsp;FERPA protects student privacy. FERPA stands for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/higher-education\/what-is-ferpa.html\" title=\"What Is FERPA?\">Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act<\/a>. This law&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/student-rights\/school-privacy.html\" title=\"School Privacy\">protects the privacy<\/a>&nbsp;of student education records. Under FERPA,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.idra.org\/resource-center\/immigrant-students-rights-to-attend-public-schools-2-2\/#:~:text=The%20Family%20Education%20Rights%20and,expose%20the%20student%27s%20undocumented%20status.\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"FERPA and Undocumented Students\" rel=\"noopener\">school officials can&#8217;t disclose a student&#8217;s immigration status<\/a>. They can&#8217;t do so without a subpoena or parental consent.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Limited impact of immigration enforcement<\/b>:&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/studentprivacy.ed.gov\/guidance\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"SPPO Guidance Documents\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Department of Education<\/a>&nbsp;plays a role in this. It&#8217;s stated that&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.myschoolmyrights.com\/rights\/immigration-students\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Right to an Education for Undocumented Students\" rel=\"noopener\">the United States government has &quot;guidance that generally limits immigration enforcement actions on or directed towards school campuses.&quot;<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><b>Access to bilingual education or accommodations<\/b>:&nbsp;This is for English language learners (ELLs). Undocumented students have the right to access&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/discrimination-harassment-at-school\/bilingual-education-and-equality.html\" title=\"Bilingual Education and Equality\">bilingual programs.<\/a>&nbsp;These programs support their language development and academic success. These programs help them overcome language barriers in the classroom. This might be through&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/rights-of-limited-english-proficient-students.html\" title=\"Rights of Limited-English Proficient Students\">special education services.<\/a>&nbsp;They have access to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www2.ed.gov\/about\/offices\/list\/ocr\/docs\/edlite-FAPE504.html\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Requirements Under Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973\" rel=\"noopener\">free and appropriate public education<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>No discrimination based on national origin<\/b>:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/civil-rights-overview\/what-is-discrimination.html\" title=\"What Is Discrimination?\">Discrimination<\/a>&nbsp;is not allowed. This is discrimination based on a student&#8217;s place of birth or national origin. This law helps ensure that all students have access to educational opportunities.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>There are many challenges and uncertainties related to immigration status for these students. Legal protections and state laws provide a foundation for educational opportunities.<\/p>\r\n<h2>A Guaranteed Chance for a High School Diploma:&nbsp;<i>Plyler v. Doe<\/i><\/h2>\r\n<p>In 1982, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Texas statute in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/us-supreme-court\/457\/202.html\" title=\"Plyler v. Doe (1982)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Plyler v. Doe<\/i><\/a><i>.&nbsp;<\/i>This statute required undocumented (illegal) immigrants to pay tuition. In the process, the court guaranteed all children the right to pursue a high school diploma. This is regardless of their immigration status.<\/p>\r\n<p>This landmark Supreme Court case reinforced the rights of undocumented students. It reinforced their right to attend public schools. The Court ruled on denying children access to education based on their immigration status. The Court held this practice was unconstitutional. It violated the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.findlaw.com\/amendment14\/annotation04.html\" title=\"Equal Protection Under the 14th Amendment - Overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>This decision means that schools can&#8217;t require students to prove their legal status or citizenship. Schools cannot require this information to enroll and attend school. This ensures that undocumented students have a guaranteed pathway to earning a high school diploma.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Students&#8217; Rights Under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)<\/h2>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/what-is-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-.html\" title=\"What Is DACA: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals?\">Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals<\/a>&nbsp;(DACA) program is very relevant in this discussion. The DACA program was implemented in 2012. This program has provided temporary relief to hundreds of thousands of undocumented youth. It offers them protection from deportation. It also provides authorization to work legally in the United States.<\/p>\r\n<p>While DACA doesn&#8217;t grant permanent legal status, it makes a significant impact on the lives of many undocumented students. These students are often referred to as \u201cDreamers.&quot; Under DACA, eligible individuals who arrived in the U.S. as children are granted a renewable two-year period of deferred action. This allows them to pursue educational opportunities and employment. They can do so without fear of immediate deportation.<\/p>\r\n<p>DACA recipients have been able to attend college and access work opportunities. They contribute to their communities openly. Yet, DACA&#8217;s future remains uncertain. It&#8217;s subject to legal challenges and changes in political administrations. Despite its limitations, DACA has provided essential protections for undocumented students.<\/p>\r\n<h2>The DREAM Act: Expanding Undocumented Students&#8217; Rights<\/h2>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/higher-education\/undocumented-college-students-the-dream-act-and-other-legal-issu.html\" title=\"Undocumented College Students: DACA and The Dream Act\">Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors<\/a>&nbsp;(DREAM) Act is also relevant. The DREAM Act represents a significant legislative effort. This effort addressed the complex challenges faced by undocumented youth in the United States. This act was introduced to Congress several times, beginning in 2001. But, it has yet to be passed into law.<\/p>\r\n<p>The DREAM Act seeks to provide a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children. Under the provisions of the proposed legislation, eligible individuals are also called \u201cDreamers.&quot; Dreamers would have the opportunity to earn conditional residency and, eventually, permanent residency.<\/p>\r\n<p>Dreamers must have met certain requirements, however. These include graduating from U.S. high schools and demonstrating good moral character. These requirements also include completing higher education or serving in the U.S. military. The DREAM Act underscores a commitment to offering undocumented youth a chance to contribute fully to society. It also aims to help students realize their full potential. It highlights the ongoing debate about immigration reform and the rights of undocumented students in America.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Getting Legal Help<\/h2>\r\n<p>Seeking legal help as an undocumented student is crucial for navigating the complex legal landscape. This helps ensure that one&#8217;s rights are protected. Undocumented students and their families may face various legal challenges related to immigration status, education, and employment. Consulting with an attorney who has experience in immigration law can help.<\/p>\r\n<p>Immigration law attorneys can provide valuable guidance. They can give you legal advice on available options and pathways to legal status. They can help you navigate policies from the federal government and provide legal counsel.<\/p>\r\n<p>Consult with an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/?fli=dcta\" title=\"Find an Immigration Lawyer Near You\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">immigration law attorney<\/a>&nbsp;about your case today.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i 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for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You generally need a lawyer&#8217;s help to sue a school\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    School rules and regulations can be contested in court\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Civil rights and discrimination issues are a large part of education law\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Education legal issues can span Title IX concerns, discrimination cases, civil rights offenses, and teachers&#8217; rights. 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