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Responding to Immigration Concerns

An explanation of DACA and 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?

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 to answer questions regarding immigration or to
    speak to an attorney. Call (505) 247-1023 to schedule an appointment.

  • 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.

In September 2023 a ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District
of Texas made DACA unlawful, disallowing new applications. However, the
court maintained a partial stay for all DACA recipients who received their initial
DACA status prior to July 16, 2021. Individuals with DACA and related
Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) do not have to submit a
request for DACA or employment authorization until the appropriate time to
seek renewal.

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