California Law Involving Immigrant Students
School Requirements Under State Law
Assembly Bill No. 699 requires all local educational agencies in California, including school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools, to adopt policies that:
- Limit assistance with immigration enforcement at public schools to the maximum extent permitted under federal and state law.
- Ensure schools remain safe and accessible for all California residents, regardless of immigration status.
Under this law and the Attorney General’s model policies, public schools:
- Protect student information confidentiality, including immigration status.
- Prohibit access to school sites or student information by federal immigration officials without a valid judicial warrant or court order.
- Promote a safe and supportive environment for all students and families, regardless of their immigration status.
Additional Resources
- California Attorney General Bonta’s Guide for Students and Families in English and Spanish at oag.ca.gov/immigrant/resources.
- Governor’s Office Guidance: https://www.ca.gov/immigration/
- California Department of Justice Immigration Resources: https://oag.ca.gov/immigrant/resources
- California Immigrant Policy Center: https://caimmigrant.org/
- Immigration Legal Resource Center
- Directory of Immigration Legal Services in Your Area
Guardianship/ Caregiver Affidavit
Under California Education Code, students must attend school in the district where their parent or guardian resides unless a permit is granted. If guardianship is undocumented and parents do not reside within San Lorenzo Unified School District (SLZUSD) boundaries, an Affidavit of Residency can be obtained from the Student Support Services Department. Guardians must provide proof of residency and both parent and guardian must sign the affidavit. In emergencies, a notarized letter may be accepted. The affidavit remains on file with SLZUSD until the student turns 18, with copies provided to the guardian for school and personal records. To schedule an appointment, contact (510) 317-4767.
Unaccompanied Youth
According to the California Department of Education and current California law reflecting Plyler v. Doe, California schools MUST enroll all school-aged children who reside in California regardless of their citizenship or immigration status. During the enrollment process, local educational agencies may NOT inquire about nor require documents pertaining to or disclosing an enrollee’s immigration status.
Once an unaccompanied student is enrolled in school, he or she is entitled to the same educational services, treatment, and opportunities as any other enrolled student.
For more information regarding the rights of unaccompanied students, please refer to the following resources.
- Unaccompanied Minors Frequently Asked Questions (California Department of Education)
- Information on the Rights of Unaccompanied Children to Enroll in School and Participate Meaningfully and Equally in Educational Programs
- Promoting Access to Education for Unaccompanied Children: A Resource for Families and Educators
General Resources for Unaccompanied Students
- Colorín Colorado
- The Unique Needs of Unaccompanied Children
- U.S. Department of Education Newcomer Toolkit
- Office of Refugee Resettlement: Unaccompanied Children Frequently Asked Questions
- Trauma-Informed Care: Understanding and Addressing the Needs of Unaccompanied Children (Webinar)
- Atención Informada en Trauma: Cómo Entender y Abordar las Necesidades de los Niños Inmigrantes no Acompañados (Webinar)
- Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
- U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
- Unaccompanied Children Resource Center (Centro De Recursos Para Jóvenes Inmigrantes)
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Resources for Educators of Refugees and Migrants