School & Education

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Part of the equal education library, sponsored by Greenberg Traurig.

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Part of the Immigration rights library, sponsored by Skadden

Do schools report student information to immigration?

No. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) does not allow schools to turn over a student’s file to federal immigration agents. Also, in Plyler v. Doe, the United States Supreme Court held that preventing undocumented children from going to school is unconstitutional.

However, in extraordinary circumstances involving public safety, the school can turn the student file over to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

School officials are non-reporters. They are not required to report undocumented immigrants to federal agents.

Getting student records for undocumented children

Parents and guardians can ask the school for information or student records. Your immigration status or your child's status does not matter.

Last full review by a subject matter expert
June 20, 2021
Last revised by staff
June 20, 2021

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Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

Part of the equal education library, sponsored by Greenberg Traurig.

Greenburg Traurig logo

Part of the Immigration rights library, sponsored by Skadden