Immigration Compliance for Schools and Religious Institutions: Legal Responsibilities and Risk Management

The program explores increasing immigration enforcement actions at educational campuses and at places of worship, the policy changes that catalyzed this increased enforcement, and the current legal challenges to those executive actions and policies seeking to reinforce institutional, student, and congregant rights. 

Legal advisers to these organizations must understand the current enforcement environment, the nuances and differences in preparing for and defending DHS audits versus DHS raids, and what responses and reactions are necessary and appropriate for each. Be prepared to counsel on specific risks such as loss of federal funding, advising students on visa surveillance and revocation, and the impact of sanctuary policies.  

Listen as this experienced panel reviews how to prepare clients for immigration enforcement actions with strategies, protocols, and policies supporting their staff, students, and families.  

I. Introduction and legal foundations

II. Current enforcement climate: policy changes and lawsuit challenges

III. Understanding enforcement actions and what response is allowed

IV. Proactive preparation of policies, recordkeeping, training, and facilities

V. Facilitating family and student support

VI. Institutionally specific considerations for schools and churches

VII. Conclusion

The panel will review these and other issues:

• The legal foundation concerning student educational rights under Plyler, FERPA, and more
• The policy changes to "sensitive location enforcement" and the effects on institutions and the legal challenges that have followed in Mennonite Church USA, Denver Public Schools, and others
• Differences in DHS raids and audits, warrant types, and how institutions can and cannot respond lawfully when presented with an action
• Best practices for preparing clients on pupil record laws, data collection, safe zones, I-98 management, staff training, and more
• Specific challenges, including sanctuary, harboring, application of religious freedoms, and FERPA compliance