Immigration Issues and PWCS—Information to avoid family concerns

[Anonymous]

PWCS responded to issues re:immigration....

Many Prince William County Public Schools students and their families have expressed concern about
the ongoing debate over U.S. immigration policy and enforcement. Please be aware that, despite the
evolving political discussion, School Division policies and procedures remain unchanged.  
There is no reason to fear that Prince William County Public Schools will lessen its commitment to the
safety and peace?of?mind of all students, staff, and community members, regardless of race, color or
national origin, or to educating all students, regardless of their immigration status (click here for more).
? PWCS remains committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment, and quality
education for all.
As in the past when the legal status of students and their families were the subject of
heightened anxiety, the School Division will to follow its own policies and regulations prohibiting
discrimination based on race, color or national origin. This reflects the 1982 Supreme Court
decision that held that the public schools must educate all students regardless of their
immigration status.   
? We do not expect heightened immigration?related enforcement at our schools.
We are not aware of any efforts by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) or
local law enforcement authorities to enter the public schools to arrest or detain students,
parents or staff, and have no reason to expect it.  ICE has long considered public schools as
“sensitive locations,” where immigration enforcement actions should only take place in
situations involving terrorism, risks of violence, threats to national security, or other highly
specific dangers. We expect ICE to adhere to this policy.
? As always, PWCS will protect the legal rights of all students and staff in our schools.  
If ICE and other law enforcement authorities wanted access to schools; PWCS would expect
them to produce warrants, subpoenas, or other legal justification, and to await PWCS approval
in order to ensure the rights of our students and staff members.   
? PWCS does not ask about immigration status, and does not share student information without
appropriate legal justification.   
PWCS never inquires about the immigration status of students and their families, as that status
makes no difference under our commitment to educate all students. Additionally, PWCS will not
release confidential student information/records to law enforcement authorities, without
appropriate subpoenas or legal ruling

[Anonymous]

What happened to their "papers, please" law? Did that go away?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What happened to their "papers, please" law? Did that go away?

In 1982. All kids in US must be educated.

But, good grief, it was hard enough to get all the paperwork to register my US born kids--how do they establish age, etc? Vaccinations?

[Anonymous]

I think all schools require a birth certificate. Most countries could send a copy of a birth cert to the U.S. if parents don't have it. That should be all they need, and vax records.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think all schools require a birth certificate. Most countries could send a copy of a birth cert to the U.S. if parents don't have it. That should be all they need, and vax records.

No, they don't require a birth certificate, if you don't have it. You just sign an affidavit.
And if you don't have vaccination records - you don't have them. Other countries don't require, or keep track of them necessarily.

[Anonymous]

I'm sure many parents disagree with this policy. Make sure to vote in school board elections so your voice is heard.