The Los Angeles Unified School District has declared itself a safe haven for families who want to learn more about President Barack Obama’s executive action that would protect millions of undocumented immigrants from the threat of deportation.
The district sent a letter to parents Tuesday advising them to be on the lookout for potential scams and people promising quick fixes.
District leaders and union officials with United Teachers Los Angeles and Service Employees International Union pledged to work together to help the students access the records they need to file their applications. Education records will be among the key documents needed for applying for immigration relief.
“I work with our school community every day and I see how much it impacts students when their mother or father is deported,” said Lilia Garcia, a SEIU member and elementary school aide. “The children come to school with fear or sadness. The President’s action will mean more stability for families, and this will mean students can focus on their education.”
Obama’s order expands the number of people eligible under the program for childhood arrivals and also offers legal status to undocumented parents of U.S. citizens.
The nation’s second largest district received 16,000 requests for transcripts after Obama’s 2012 executive order that provided relief for some young adults brought to the U.S. illegally by their parents, the Associated Press reports.
“Our collective assets grow as more and more families are able to grow together, learn together and thrive together without fear of deportation,” said Steve Zimmer, vice president of the Los Angeles Unified school board. “We stand together in support of our President and executive action.”