When Fear Comes to School: Recommendations for Supporting Immigrant-Origin Students and Families

This issue spotlights the urgent challenges faced by immigrant-origin students and families in today’s uncertain climate. Schools are seeing increased anxiety and absenteeism as children cope with fears linked to heightened immigration enforcement and xenophobia. The brief outlines clear, research-based steps for educators throughout K-12 and higher education: creating safe, welcoming environments, protecting privacy, providing trauma-informed mental health support, and connecting families to legal and community resources. With practical recommendations for teachers, counselors, and administrators, it urges schools to become sanctuaries of trust, dignity, and hope for all students.