The Department of Education is out with a new resource guide encouraging schools and educators to help illegal aliens apply for amnesty under President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The document, which was released on Tuesday, also urges schools to provide welcoming environments for illegal alien students by hosting events such as “Undocumented Week.”
“The Department hopes that educators, schools, and campuses will, as they see fit, draw upon the tips and examples in this Guide to better support undocumented youth and, ultimately, move us closer to the promise of college and career readiness for all,” reads the 63-page report.
Under a section entitled “DACA Consideration Fact Sheet,” the agency encourages educators to inform illegal aliens of the DACA program, which Obama enacted by executive action in 2012.
The program has extended amnesty protection to 680,000 illegal aliens who were brought to the U.S. by their parents. Another 1.5 million are eligible for protection, and another 400,000 will become eligible within the next few years. The Obama administration, including the Education Department, hopes to maximize the number of illegal aliens protected under the law.
“Besides providing high-quality instruction and supports, another important way that schools, colleges, and education professionals can help undocumented youth is by sharing information about DACA with youth and their families,” the guide reads.
“Providing this information at the early childhood and elementary school levels may be helpful because, though the children would not meet DACA’s threshold age guideline, their parents or family members may meet the guidelines,” it continues.
The resource guide provides instructions on how and when to apply for DACA or renewal of protected status under the law.
“We strongly encourage those who might be eligible for DACA to use this resource guide. We applaud the Department of Education for providing these resources to the undocumented young people in this country who can benefit from DACA,” U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services director Leon Rodriguez said in a statement.
The guide also provides tips for schools and educators on how to support illegal alien youth who are in high school and college. It also provides information for non-citizens on how to access federal financial aid, while providing a list of scholarships for which they might be eligible.
The guide also urges schools to create welcoming environments for such students.
Suggestions for how to support the students including hosting “an undocumented immigrant awareness day.”
“Consider partnering with community and stakeholder groups to amplify the event,” the guide suggests.
Other proposals include: “Publicly demonstrate support for undocumented students” and “educate all students about the challenges and strengths of undocumented students, such as by hosting an Undocumented Week.”
“Each day, highlight an issue faced by undocumented students or celebrate an accomplishment of the undocumented immigrant community,” it continues.
“Our nation’s public schools should be welcoming, safe, and supportive places where all students, regardless of their zip code or where they were born, are given the opportunity to succeed,” John King, a senior adviser at the Department of Education said in a statement. “We know undocumented youth face unique challenges and we also know that educators and other caring adults in schools and colleges can play a major role in helping all students, including undocumented students, to achieve at the highest levels.”
“This guide provides actionable information and resources that educators and school and campus leaders can use to help improve outcomes for high school and college students.”