IUSD is committed to fostering safe and welcoming learning environments for all students and their families, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, country of origin, or immigration status, in accordance with the law and IUSD Board Policies. We deeply value the diversity of our community and its many different perspectives. The following Frequently Asked Questions are designed to provide accurate and timely information to our community.
What is IUSD doing to stay informed about changes to national immigration policy?
District staff is working with county and state agencies to understand changes to national immigration policy and determine how best to support our community. We will continue to share updates with our community as new information becomes available.
What does the law say about immigration status and the right to education?
Both the United States Supreme Court and the California Supreme Court have affirmed that all students, regardless of their immigration status, are entitled to a public education. Federal and state laws also protect the confidentiality of student information.
Do California public schools collect information about students' immigration status?
No, California schools and districts do not collect or maintain information about a student’s or family’s immigration status.
Are student records shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)?
Student records are protected by federal and state privacy laws and cannot be shared with ICE without a court order or explicit consent from a parent or guardian, except in limited legal circumstances.
Are immigration enforcement actions allowed on school grounds?
Under state law, immigration enforcement actions on school grounds are generally prohibited unless ICE presents a judicial warrant or meets specific legal criteria. Even in such cases, schools and districts prioritize the safety and security of students and staff while following legal protocols.
How does IUSD cooperate with law enforcement?
IUSD has standard procedures in place to protect the safety, privacy, and well-being of our students while cooperating with law enforcement and complying with relevant laws. These include verifying anyone entering our school sites, documenting their purpose for being on campus, and communicating with families to the extent possible and allowable by law.
IUSD works to avoid classroom interruptions and maintain the peaceful conduct of school activities for all students while complying with the law during any law enforcement activities.
Where can I find more information about immigration and student privacy laws?
You can visit the California government website and the Orange County Department of Education’s webpages for more information and resources. Additional details are also available on IUSD’s immigration webpage, which includes IUSD Board Policies and Administrative Regulations.
How can immigration-related information be shared with families?
IUSD has developed an immigration information webpage that provides links to official and comprehensive resources from the State and the Orange County Department of Education. These resources contain the most up-to-date information about the law and individual rights. To help ensure families have accurate information in multiple languages, we encourage them to visit these resources.