Immigration Rights and Resources
Welcome!
Ashland Public Schools is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, staff and families, regardless of their immigration status. All students deserve the opportunity to succeed, and we are dedicated to ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive. The information in the links below is designed to reassure parents and community members of this commitment.
Please note: these resources are provided to help students, staff and families navigate their situations and are not explicitly endorsed by the district. As further guidance from state and federal agencies is provided, these resources may be updated by the respective organizations. Please visit the listed organizations for the most updated information.
Resources for Families
We value every member of our district community. A list of beneficial community resources for immigrant community members and mixed-status families can be found below.
AREA Online Discussion & Listening Session
Ashland Residents for Equity & Action (AREA) will host a virtual Immigrant Discussion Group & Listening Session from 7-8:30 p.m. on Feb. 6 for anyone needing to connect with others in a vulnerable immigration situation and to let the AREA Board know what resources you might find helpful. Anyone that has knowledge or skills that our immigrant neighbors might find helpful is also invited.
Immigration Helpline
The Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) helpline is open to all Massachusetts residents.
Immigration Preparedness Toolkit
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center's (ILRC) Immigration Preparedness Toolkit is a resource-packed informational document designed to help immigrants with no legal status or in mixed status families begin to understand the immigration legal landscape and plan for their own journey through an ever-changing, complex system in the United States.
Know Your Rights
The Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) provides “know your rights” trainings, resources for advocates, service providers and allies who want to help ensure that immigrants know their rights in different contexts.
Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice
Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice (SCIJ) trains and mobilizes college students to provide free legal representation to asylum seekers and to organize for immigrant justice. SCIJ will host a Know Your Rights presentation on Feb. 5 from 6-8 p.m. at 18 Chestnut Street, Worcester.
Resources for Staff and Faculty
We are committed to providing inclusive teaching and learning environments where staff and students feel safe and supported. Please review the resources below to help you support our students and families.
Know Your Rights for K-12 Schools & Educators
A virtual training provided by MIRA on Feb. 14 from 9:30-11 a.m. intended for those working in Massachusetts K-12 schools, including teachers, counselors and administrators.
Guidance on Immigration Issues
Guidance from the National Education Association (NEA) on immigration policies affecting students, schools and communities.
Supporting Immigrant Families and Upholding Their Rights
This blog, by NASP (National Association of School Psychologists), summarizes the key legal protections of students, including those that are undocumented, and specific actions school psychologists can take to support immigrant students and their families. This blog will also help school psychologists and other school professionals help immigrant communities understand their rights. This is not legal advice.
Ten Strategies for Supporting Immigrant Students and Families
There are many ways that schools can support immigrant students and families facing uncertainty. These strategies from Colorín Colorado are based on input from educators and researchers across the country.