Responding to Immigration Concerns

Access For All Students

The shared values and beliefs of Albuquerque Public Schools is to ensure access for ALL students. APS insists that our schools are equitable and that students thrive academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and with humanity.

Schools must be safe places where a student’s race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, and immigration status do not create any barriers to that child’s education.

To assist in this duty, APS believes that it is important to shed some light on the following topics regarding immigration status and our commitment to protect students from discrimination, harassment, and bullying.

Albuquerque Public Schools does not ask for a child’s immigration status when he or she enrolls.

Public school districts like APS have an obligation to enroll students regardless of their immigration status and without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, or immigration status.

Undocumented immigration status will have no impact on a child’s education.

Children have a constitutional right to equal access to education regardless of their immigration status or their parents’ status.

The school district will not share a student's immigration status with federal immigration officials.

APS does not ask for students’ immigration status when they enroll. Even if an employee became aware of a student’s immigration status, that information would NOT be shared with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Albuquerque Public Schools will ensure that no student or family is discriminated against, harassed, or bullied because of their race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, or immigration status.

APS believes deeply in ensuring equity and has policies in place that mandate no discrimination, harassment, or bullying for students, families, or employees based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, immigration status, and many other protected classes.

What should I do if I feel like I have been the victim of discrimination, harassment, or bullying?

• Report the behavior immediately to a principal, counselor, teacher, or other pertinent school staff. APS takes these complaints very seriously in order to assure that schools continue to be a safe space for all students. 
• Review the APS Discrimination and Harassment Policy
• Review the APS Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention Procedural Directive

Do not be a victim of notario fraud!

“Notarios” or public notaries are not authorized to practice law. Remember, only immigration attorneys and BIA Accredited Representatives can assist individuals with immigration cases. 

What resources exist for low-income immigrants to get legal assistance?

• The New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) has phone consultation hours on Fridays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. To speak to an attorney by phone for free, call (505) 247-1023.
• NMILC also hosts weekly walk-in hours for individuals to learn more about DACA, citizenship, or green card renewals from 1-5 p.m. at El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos/Encuentro, 714 4th St. SW.
• Individuals may also reach out to a private attorney.

What is DACA?

DACA is a program established by President Obama in June 2012 that grants temporary protection from deportation, known as “deferred action,” to undocumented youth who:

• Came to the U.S. before turning 16
• have resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007
• Meet other requirements.

DACA provides immigrant students with two-year temporary protection from deportation as well as a work permit. Because it is an executive action (versus a statute or regulation), President Trump could modify or rescind it. Before applying for or renewing DACA, you should consult with an attorney.

This page was last updated on: March 8, 2017.