For many high school students across the U.S., the start of a new school year is usually a time of excitement, anticipation, and planning for the future. But for some, like a senior at Roybal Learning Center in Los Angeles, this year has been anything but normal. After her mother was deported to Guatemala over the summer, she has struggled to keep up with school, care for her younger siblings, and balance the emotional weight of family separation. Despite the challenges, she continues to attend classes — a determination that, sadly, is not mirrored by all students in similar situations, according to reporting by the Los Angeles Times.
Immigration-driven enrollment drops
Across the country, fears stemming from immigration enforcement are taking a real toll on schools. Districts from Los Angeles and San Diego to Miami and Alabama are witnessing a drop in student numbers, particularly among “newcomer” students — children who have been in the U.S. for three years or less. These declines not only reflect disrupted learning but also strain school budgets and programs.In LAUSD, overall enrollment is down by just over 4% compared with last year — more than 7,000 students beyond what the district had anticipated. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho explains that families are facing a climate of uncertainty. “When families are afraid to be seen, or when they cannot afford to remain in their communities, they are less likely to enroll, reenroll, or stay in public schools,” he told the Los Angeles Times.
Tracking newcomer students
Newcomer students are a small but significant part of U.S. public school communities. In Los Angeles, their numbers have been steadily declining over the past three years:
Carvalho points out that the decline is compounded by broader trends such as rising housing costs, falling birth rates, and economic pressures — all of which were already affecting school enrollment even before immigration enforcement became a major factor.
Human stories behind the numbers
The numbers tell only part of the story. Teachers and counselors see firsthand the struggles students face. At Roybal, teacher Guadalupe Carrasco Cardona has seen students juggling schoolwork with family responsibilities and the fear of deportation. “Many students are constantly thinking about how to support their families,” she said, noting that even highly motivated students are forced to make difficult choices between school and family survival.Benjamin Guerrero-Cruz, a teen at Reseda Charter High School, was recently detained by ICE while walking his dog — a stark reminder of how immigration enforcement can reach students at any time. Friends, teammates, and community volunteers have rallied to support him, highlighting the broader emotional impact these situations have on classmates and neighborhoods, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
The national picture
Los Angeles is far from the only district affected:
- San Diego: Schools report that newcomer enrollment has stalled, leaving some students and families without access to consistent education.
- Miami-Dade: Enrollment of students new to the country has dropped from nearly 14,000 last year to just 2,550 this year, creating a $70 million budget gap for the district.
- Alabama: Albertville City Schools anticipate the loss of roughly 12 teaching positions due to declining newcomer enrollment.
- Other districts: Denver, Houston, and Waukegan have all seen dramatic reductions in new immigrant students, forcing some schools to close programs designed specifically for newcomers.
Even districts that had planned for a gradual decline were surprised. In Inglewood, about 200 expected newcomer students did not enroll, cutting their numbers by more than half compared with previous years. Superintendent Jim Morris called it “alarming,” emphasising the uncertainty families face.
Supporting students amid fear
Despite these challenges, schools are taking proactive steps to ensure students feel safe and supported. LAUSD and Roybal Learning Center, for instance, have started providing transportation directly from students’ homes to school, alleviating fears of deportation during commutes. Carvalho stresses that every child, regardless of origin, deserves a stable, welcoming, and supportive educational environment.Takeaways for students and parents:
- Immigration enforcement is creating anxiety and uncertainty for families, affecting students’ ability to attend and focus on school.
- Newcomer students — those in the U.S. for three years or less — are declining in number nationwide, with a direct impact on school programs and funding.
- Districts are responding with targeted support, including counseling, safe transportation, and resources for families.
- Awareness and community support are crucial in helping students continue their education amid these challenges.
This article is based on a report by the Los Angeles Times,
