Response to Immigration
In the Cardiff School District, we want to assure you that our primary goal is to provide a safe, welcoming, and equitable learning environment where every student is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their immigration status.
We understand that national conversations about immigration may cause uncertainty for some families. Please know that we will not ask for or collect information about the citizenship or immigration status of students or their families, nor will we assist with immigration enforcement on school grounds, unless legally required. Our top priority is to protect the confidentiality, safety, and well-being of everyone in our community.
We're here to support your family with guidance and resources. Our aim is to cultivate a place where everyone feels valued and supported. These values are reflected in our Cardiff School District Board Policy and Administrative Regulation on Response to Immigration Enforcement. If you have questions or concerns about immigration enforcement, our administrative staff is available to assist you.
We are here to support you and your family.
Important Information for Our School Community:
- Any staff member who receives a verbal or written request for information regarding a student’s or family’s immigration or citizenship status is instructed to uphold and protect the legal rights of the students and their families.
- If an immigration officer comes on campus and approaches you during school time, direct them to the Principal or school personnel about the information request.
- No student information shall be disclosed to immigration authorities by district staff for immigration enforcement purposes without a court order or judicial subpoena.
- The District must receive consent from parents/guardians before officers seeking to enforce civil immigration laws interview or search a student unless a judicial warrant or subpoena restricts disclosure to the parent/guardian.
- Staff will provide students and parents/guardians with any documents provided by the immigration officer unless such disclosure is prohibited by a subpoena served on the District.
Resources for Families
- Guide for Students and Families on Immigration Enforcement Actions at California Schools: This two-page document from the California Attorney General's Office includes information on the right to a free public education, what is and is not required for school enrollment, personal information confidentiality protections, as well as student and family safety information. It is also available in Spanish with plans for additional languages to be added on the Resources for California’s Immigrant Communities webpage from the Office of the Attorney General.
- Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan: This toolkit from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center goes into detail about different childcare options available in case of an absent parent, where to find trusted immigration services, and how to prepare for contact with an immigration officer.
- Red Cards / Tarjetas Rojas: These cards from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center are available in 16 languages to help people understand and assert their Constitutional rights.
- Know Your Rights if ICE Visits Your House: This flyer from the American Immigration Lawyers Association helps families understand their rights and is available in multiple languages. There are also additional handouts for other scenarios available.
- Fact Sheet for Child Welfare and Guardianship Stakeholders: This fact sheet describes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy that allows parents or legal guardians who are arrested or detained by ICE to maintain visitation with their child or incapacitated adult for whom they serve as guardian, coordinate their care, and participate in any related court or child welfare proceedings, without regard to the dependent’s citizenship or immigration status.
- City of Encinitas - Know Your Rights: Immigrant Rights and Resources