Immigrant Resources

Safe & Welcoming Schools

The School District of Philadelphia is committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for our students and families, in alignment with the U.S. Constitution, Pennsylvania State law, and in the spirit of the Board of Education’s Welcoming Sanctuary Schools Resolution. Our commitment includes all students, no matter their race, ethnicity, immigration status, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, or abilities.

Support Your Family

What You Can Do Now, To Support Your Family

Know Your Legal Rights

People in the United States have basic constitutional rights regardless of immigration status. Learn more from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) at aclu.org/we-have-rights. It is also helpful to carry a Red Card to support you with any interaction with law enforcement; find more information from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) at ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas.

Create a Family Preparedness Plan

Every family should have a plan in case of an emergency. This should start with updating your child’s emergency contact information with your school’s main office. Philadelphia Legal Assistance has additional resources to support you in making a plan at bit.ly/PLAresources

Find Local Immigrant and Refugee-Serving Organizations to Support Your Family

We have listed several local organizations to the right that families are encouraged to contact for support. Any additional resources will be added to the District’s Welcoming Sanctuary Schools website (listed at the bottom of this page) and the City of Philadelphia’s Immigrant Affairs website, phila.gov/departments/office-of-immigrant-affairs.

Understand How the School District will Respond to ICE

School principals and staff have been provided step-by-step protocols for responding to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should they come to a school building. You can view the latest information provided on this website (additional resources coming soon).

Be Aware of Immigration Fraud

Always confirm that you are working with licensed or accredited professionals to assist you with your immigration case, especially for legal support. Be cautious of fraudulent services and false promises. Avoid immigration consultants, tax advisors, or notarios. Learn other ways to protect yourself from fraud from the American Immigration Lawyers Association at bit.ly/aila-scams.

Update Your Contact Info

Please make sure that all emergency contact information is updated for your student. To update your contact information, contact your child’s school.

You Should Know...

What Students and Families Should Know

District employees, volunteers, and contractors are prohibited from asking about or sharing any personal information about your students or your families, including immigration status, unless required by law and authorized by the District’s Office of General Counsel.
School leaders have been provided guidance on how to handle any potential requests from immigration officials.

Responsibilities of Schools

Steps School Principals Will Follow:

IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY the Office of General Counsel.
OBTAIN DOCUMENTATION FROM THE AGENT such as a subpoena or warrant that authorizes access to school.
ADVISE THE AGENT that before proceeding with their request, and absent exigent circumstances, school
personnel must first receive notification and direction from the Office of General Counsel.
WAIT FOR FURTHER DIRECTION AND ADVICE from the Office of General Counsel.
NOTIFY THE OFFICE OF PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION (P&I).
CONVENE A SAFETY TEAM MEETING and work with P&I Liaison to formulate School Crisis Response Plan.
COMPLETE INCIDENT REPORT.