Immigration is a hot topic all over the world. Many people have strong opinions about who should be allowed to enter one country and what rights they should have. But what about the children of immigrants? What is the impact of immigration on their education and well-being?
In this EDU Blog, we will explore the impact of immigration policy on two groups of students: English language learners (ELLs) and undocumented students. We will also explain some challenges they face in school and how educators can support them.
What factors affect the language acquisition of immigrant students?
Language acquisition is the process of learning a new language. Many factors can influence how well you know a language. For instance, some elements are personal, like your age, motivation, aptitude, personality, and learning style.
Meanwhile, some other factors are social and cultural, like how much and how well you listen to the language, how much you can communicate and get feedback, what people believe and expect of you and the language, and how much you adapt to the culture.
What are the impacts of immigration policy on education?
English language learners are students who speak a language other than English at home and need help to learn English in school. They come from diverse backgrounds and cultures and have different levels of proficiency in their native languages and English.
Undocumented students do not have legal authorization to live in a country. They may have entered the country without inspection or overstayed their visas. Their parents may have brought them when they were young or came alone to seek a better life.
Immigrant students who speak English as a second language (ESL) or are undocumented can be affected by immigration policy in many ways. For example, immigration policy can affect:
The level of easy or hard is for students to learn English and other languages in school through programs like bilingual education or dual language immersion.
The support and funding they get from the government to help them learn English.
How well students do in school and how they are tested through examinations like standardized tests or alternative assessments.
The legal rights and protections of ELLs and their families include due process, equal educational opportunity, and anti-discrimination laws.
- How happy and healthy students are through deportation, family separation, or migration trauma.
The impact of immigration policy can help or hurt their language learning, depending on how it meets their needs and challenges. Educators, policymakers, and advocates should know about the current and proposed immigration policies and how they affect ESL students.
How to support English Language Learners and Undocumented Students
English Language Learners: What are their struggles and how can we assist them
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were about 5 million ELLs in public schools in 2020, accounting for 10% of all students.
ELLs face many obstacles in their academic success. For example, they have to learn a new language and a new culture, while also mastering the same content as their peers. They may experience discrimination or bullying from other students or educators who do not understand or appreciate their differences. They may also lack access to high-quality instruction and resources that meet their needs.
To support ELLs, educators need to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where they can feel safe and valued. They need to provide them with opportunities to use their native languages and cultures as assets for learning.
Educators can use effective strategies to teach these students English and academic skills, such as scaffolding, differentiation, and cooperative learning. They need to monitor students’ progress and adjust their instruction accordingly. They also need to collaborate with families and communities to involve them in their children’s education.
For example, an educator can use bilingual books or dual-language programs to help ELLs develop literacy skills in both languages. An educator can also use culturally relevant materials or activities to connect the curriculum to the students’ backgrounds and experiences. A educator can also encourage ELLs to share their stories and perspectives with their classmates and learn from each other.
Undocumented students: A guide for educators and allies
About 1.2 million students in the U.S. do not have legal papers (The Pew Research Center, 2017. Many things make it hard for them to learn. For example, they worry about being sent away from their families. They may not have enough money or be safe where they live, and not get the help they need for their health or problems. They may not know how to go to college or get a good job.
To support undocumented students, educators need to create a safe and supportive space where they can learn and grow without fear. They need to respect their privacy and protect their information from unauthorized disclosure.
Educators should provide these students with academic and emotional support, such as counseling, mentoring, or tutoring. They need to inform them of their rights and resources, such as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program or scholarships for undocumented students. They also need to advocate for them and raise awareness of their issues among other stakeholders.
For example, a counselor can help undocumented students cope with stress and anxiety related to their immigration status. A counselor can also help them explore their options for higher education and financial aid. A counselor can also connect them with community organizations or legal services that can assist them with their immigration cases.
In general
The impact of immigration policy on education can be a real challenge. In addition, immigrant students need help. For instance, they need to learn English and deal with unfair treatment. They also have less money and support than other students.
We can help them by making them feel welcome and respected. For example, use different ways to teach them, like showing examples and giving choices. Work with their families and communities. Fight for their rights and happiness. Make sure they can do well in school.
You can be a great tutor for immigrant students. You can help them change their lives for the better. If you want to learn more about education, sign up for EDU Passport today!
