Student Immigrants and Families
Dear Families,
The Waterloo Community School District remains deeply committed to an environment where our students feel safe and valued. This includes supporting all students and families as outlined in our non-discrimination statement, which includes national origin.
We are aware that federal immigration policies and practices are changing quickly in our country and I want to assure you of the measures we have in place within our schools.
Key Points of Support:
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The law guarantees all students receive free public education, regardless of their immigration status.
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Waterloo Schools does not collect or maintain any information about students' immigration status.
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Requests from immigration officials to access information or communicate with a student will be immediately referred to the WCSD District Office. We will work closely with legal counsel to ensure compliance with the law and comply with our legal requirement to safeguard students' privacy and rights.
Our Safeguards:
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Any law enforcement action involving our schools must comply with proper legal authority.
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Building principals know the policies and processes in place to protect our students.
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We will continue protecting students' constitutional and legal rights. We can only share student information as permitted under the law.
Important note: Please review and update your contact information in Infinite Campus to ensure we can communicate effectively with you. Accurate information helps us maintain our comprehensive school safety plans. Please take a moment to verify the following:
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Personal contact details (phone numbers and email addresses).
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Emergency contact information.
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Approved individuals who can pick up your child from school.
Please visit our Supports for Immigrant Students and Families page below for more information. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.
Sincerely,
Jared R. Smith, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Waterloo Community School District
FAQs: Students from Undocumented and Immigrant Families
Q: How does my child’s immigration status or my immigration status affect my child’s ability to attend school?
A: Under federal law, all children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to a free public education at the primary and secondary levels. Schools cannot deny enrollment or access to educational opportunities based on a child’s or parent’s immigration status. This right is protected under the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court precedent (Plyler v. Doe, 1982).
Q: How does the Waterloo Community School District (WCSD) ensure that no student or family is discriminated against or harassed because of their race, ethnicity, religion, or national origin?
A: Under FERPA, WCSD protects the confidentiality of student educational records, including information related to immigration status. These records are not shared with federal immigration officials for enforcement purposes unless required by a lawful subpoena or court order.
Q: What should I do if I feel like I have been the victim of discrimination or harassment?
A: Individuals who feel like they have been the victim of discrimination or harassment should follow the guidance and procedures established by the WCSD and should report the incident to a school official. Non-students should report to Sam Kreassig, Director of Human Resources. Students should report to Sheena Canady, Director of Student and At-Risk Services.
Q: Can Waterloo Schools ask about a child’s immigration status?
A: No, the WCSD may not question a child about his or her immigration status or demand to see proof of legal immigration status.
Q: Does a child need a social security number to be enrolled in the Waterloo Schools?
A: A child does NOT need a social security number to be enrolled in the Waterloo Schools
Q: Could the WCSD ever share our child’s immigration status with the federal immigration officials?
A: No, the WCSD will not share students’ immigration status with federal immigration officials for the purpose of enforcement of the immigration law. Individual students’ educational records are protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The WCSD policy on Student Records Access.
Q: Will my child lose eligibility to ride the bus to school, for free or reduced-priced lunch, for special education services, for ELL, etc.?
A: No. A child’s immigration status has no effect on the child’s eligibility to ride the bus to school. Iowa law requires that the WCSD provides transportation to all resident pupils attending school, with limited exceptions. A child’s immigration status similarly has no effect on the child’s eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch, eligibility for English Language Learning help, or eligibility for special education services.
Q: What will happen to my child if he or she has DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)?
A: The status of the DACA program may change due to executive or judicial action. Families with DACA students are advised to consult with an immigration attorney for the latest updates and to explore additional legal options.
Q: Where can I learn more about my immigration rights or immigration issues?
A: To protect your rights, rely only on advice from licensed attorneys or accredited representatives with verified expertise in immigration law. Avoid relying on unverified sources or unauthorized individuals offering immigration services. You can search for attorneys licensed in Iowa or find an immigration attorneys through American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Department of Education Services
Educational Services for Immigrant Children & Those Recently Arrived to the United States
Schools in the United States have always welcomed new immigrant children to their classrooms – according to the most recent data, there were more than 840,000 immigrant students in the United States, and more than 4.6 million English learners. We have begun to receive inquiries regarding educational services for a specific group of immigrant children who have been in the news – children from Central America who have recently crossed the U.S. – Mexico border. This fact sheet provides information to help education leaders better understand the responsibilities of States and local educational agencies (LEAs) in connection with such students, and the existing resources available to help educate all immigrant students – including children who recently arrived in the United States.
Preparing for an ICE Raid
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is part of the United States Department of Human Services. As of January 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education provides a comprehensive Newcomer Tool Kit designed to assist educators and school staff in supporting immigrant students and their families. This resource offers up-to-date information and strategies that align with current laws and policies.
The National Education Association (NEA) has published a Know Your Rights: Immigration & Schools guide, which outlines the rights of immigrant students in the educational system. This document is available at:
National Education Association | NE
Local Resources
Catholic Charities Know Your Rights (Archdiocese of Dubuque)
Immigration Lawyers List
Immigrant Legal Resource Center Red Card (English)
Immigrant Legal Resource Center Red Card (Chinese)
Immigrant Legal Resource Center Red Card (French)
Immigrant Legal Resource Center Red Card (Haitian Creole)
Immigrant Legal Resource Center Red Card (Spanish)
Know Your Rights Wallet Card (English-Spanish)
Family Safety Plan – Iowa
Basic Rights of Immigrant Students and Families
In Iowa, immigrant families are entitled to several fundamental rights within the educational system:
- Right to Public Education: All children, irrespective of their immigration status, have the right to enroll in public K-12 schools. This is upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Plyler v. Doe, which prohibits schools from denying education based on a child’s immigration status.
American Federation of Teachers - Protection Against Discrimination: The Iowa Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in educational settings on the basis of race, color, national origin, or ancestry. Schools must provide equal opportunities and cannot treat students differently due to their immigration status.
USCIS Guide - Privacy of Student Information: Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), schools are required to protect the confidentiality of student records, including information regarding immigration status. Schools cannot disclose such information without parental consent or unless required by law.
American Federation of Teachers - Safe Learning Environment: Schools are considered sensitive locations, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has policies that generally restrict enforcement actions at schools. This policy aims to ensure that students can attend school without fear of immigration enforcement actions on campus.
American Federation of Teachers - Language Assistance Services: Schools are obligated to provide language support services to students who are English Language Learners (ELL), ensuring they have meaningful access to the curriculum. This includes offering programs and resources to help students overcome language barriers.
USCIS Guide