Ongoing discussions have raised questions about the intersection of immigration and K-12 education, particularly focusing on immigrant children in schools. The incoming presidential administration has indicated plans to address this issue, including efforts to prevent undocumented children from attending public schools and potential immigration enforcement actions on school grounds. Some state leaders are also showing interest, with announcements challenging Plyler v. Doe’s constitutional right to education for undocumented students and notices sent to parents regarding plans to "[stop] illegal immigration’s impact" on schools.

Immigrant students are protected under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 from discrimination based on national origin. This includes harassment or different treatment due to prejudice or unfounded fears about their national origin, ethnicity, or language. A recent brief highlights the unique civil rights considerations for immigrant students and how schools can meet these legal obligations concerning data and technology use.

The brief defines who immigrant students are, analyzes the risks they face in schools, identifies potential civil rights violations through data and technology use, and offers recommendations for school leaders to ensure compliance with civil rights laws while supporting all students' success.

While focusing on non-citizen immigrants due to their specific legal vulnerabilities, it is noted that other groups such as U.S. citizen immigrants, English Learners, and those perceived as foreign-born are also protected from national origin discrimination.