All children in the United States have the right to access free public education, regardless of immigration status. In Plyler v. Doe (1982), the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that schools may not deny enrollment or discourage participation based on a student or family’s immigration status. 

Refugee, immigrant, and unaccompanied children may face challenges enrolling in school due to missing documents, housing instability, non-parent caregiver arrangements, language barriers, or unfamiliarity with U.S. school systems. Providers can play an important role in helping families understand their educational rights and navigate school enrollment. 

The resources below can support providers in advocating timely school enrollment for refugee and newcomer students, including unaccompanied children.