A national study by the UCLA Institute for Democracy, Education, and Access examined how intensified federal immigration enforcement affected public high schools. The research, coauthored by John Rogers and Joseph Kahne, used an online survey of principals between June and August 2025 and follow-up interviews in July, August and early September. The study focused on the first months of the second Trump administration and the effects on students, staff and school operations. The full report was published on December 9, 2025.
Principals reported widespread disruptions. Nearly two-thirds (63.8%) said immigrant students miss school because of fear tied to immigration policies and hostile rhetoric. More than a third (35.6%) reported bullying of students from immigrant families, including taunts such as “Can I see your papers?” and “Go back home.”
School leaders described real harms, including chronic absenteeism, post-traumatic stress and anxiety. Many principals are creating safety plans, working with families and building partnerships, but they face pressure and uncertainty.
Difficult words
- enforcement — official actions to control a law
- examine — look at something carefully to studyexamined
- principal — head person in a schoolprincipals
- survey — set of questions to collect information
- administration — the government in power at a time
- disruption — an event that interrupts normal activitiesdisruptions
- immigrant — a person who moves to another country
- absenteeism — regular missing of school or work
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How might fear about immigration policies affect a student’s learning at school?
- What can principals do to support immigrant families who face pressure and uncertainty?
- Should government leaders consider effects on schools when they make immigration policy? Why or why not?
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