Day 27: The Special Education Rights of Immigrants

Today’s reflection is about the special education rights of immigrants and their children. All children in the United States are entitled to equal access to a public elementary and secondary education. This right is not curtailed by the child’s or parents’ actual or perceived national origin, citizenship, or immigration status. While residing with a sponsor during immigration proceedings, recently arrived unaccompanied children have the right to enroll in local public schools. Officials from schools and school districts are prohibited from seeking information about a student’s or parent’s immigration status.

In New York State, U.S. citizenship is not a requirement for Early Intervention (birth to age 3) program eligibility or special education (age 3 to age 21) eligibility.

If your child has special health care needs and you are facing an immigration proceeding, book a consultation on my website at https://www.msrlegal.org/book-your-consultation. Also, MSR Legal & Consulting Services is now assisting with applications for extensions of stay for B-2 Nonimmigrant Vistors due to the pandemic. Continue to follow me,  @msrlegalconsulting , on Instagram as I post the latest updates on special needs parenting in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.

Until tomorrow, keep safe,

Oroma

P.S.: In case you missed my first Facebook Live session on Sunday, you can watch the video on my Facebook timeline or business page. More to follow!

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