As millions of kids in India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and beyond gear up for new classes, the usual back-to-school buzz is being overshadowed in immigrant hubs across the U.S. Stepped-up immigration raids are replacing those first-day jitters with deeper fear and uncertainty. 😟📚
For many mixed-status families—where some members have legal permission and others don’t—waking up on Day 1 of school feels less like excitement and more like a daily checkpoint. Instead of talking about trendy stationery or what to pack for lunch, parents are bracing for unexpected raids—yikes.
“It’s like your heart skips a beat every time the doorbell rings,” says community leader Roza Khan, who works closely with families navigating complex legal statuses. For those without full papers, even a routine traffic stop can spiral into a major crisis.
These intensified operations aim to target undocumented immigrants, but the ripple effects spread to entire neighborhoods. Friends fear inviting neighbors over, while students worry about losing classmates overnight. Cities from New York to Los Angeles are feeling the strain.
For South Asian and Southeast Asian diaspora communities, this story strikes a familiar chord—many have seen uncertainty on foreign soil. Yet, there’s power in solidarity. Local NGOs and helplines are stepping up to offer legal guidance and emotional support 🤝.
This back-to-school season, the message is clear: every child deserves to learn without fear. Let’s stay informed, support our communities, and ensure that the jitters turn back into excitement. 🎒✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
