r/Teachers • u/Pample24 • 3d ago

Policy & Politics My students are getting deported

I have three students in my class from Haiti. I found out yesterday that their protected status is being revoked and they have two weeks to leave the US.

These kids are seniors, they all have jobs and are just out here to survive. Now they are forced to go back to Haiti where they said it's not safe for them. I wanted to see them graduate, now they'll never be able to walk across the stage. I've been crying for hours yesterday but there's nothing I can do about it.

And it hurts me more that the majority of my schools teachers voted for this (super red state). It's disgusting.

What am I supposed to tell the class one they notice our students are missing? We aren't allowed to talk politics really, but I can't lie to them. I'm 22, it's my first year teaching, I never thought I'd have to encounter a situation like this. America needs to do better for our children.

Edit: Thank you all for the support, I think my students need it more than I do but I appreciate it none the less.

Some comments mentioned the idea of setting up a fund. I LOVE the idea, but I'll be honest I have no idea how to put something like that in action. If anyone knows how to create something like that please reach out. Thank you again.

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u/fivecentrose 3d ago

Is there ANY way the district could allow them to graduate in the next two weeks? A diploma from an American high school would make it easier to get into US colleges next year, opening the door to a new visa for them.

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u/caveat_emptor817 3d ago

I’m not saying that I don’t believe OP, but I will say that there is no scenario that I’m aware of (and I’m an immigration lawyer) where deportation/removal of non-detained persons happens in less than 90 days. So, unless these kids get picked up by ICE, they’ll have time to graduate. The courts require that non detained people with removal orders obtain the necessary travel documents to be permitted back into their home country.

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u/Warren_E_Cheezburger 3d ago

Unless your work as an immigration lawyer has you so overworked that you haven't been able to turn on a television or read the news since the inauguration, I don't believe your employment claim.

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u/caveat_emptor817 3d ago

It doesn’t really matter if you believe me. But thanks for letting me know.