The Impact of Immigration Enforcement on Student Attendance and Performance
Two recent studies shed light on how the immigration enforcement policies enacted during President Donald Trump’s administration have consequences for schoolchildren, particularly in California and Florida. These findings reveal notable trends in student absenteeism and academic performance, suggesting that the repercussions of such policies stretch beyond the immediate targets of enforcement actions.
Context of the Studies
The studies, published in late 2025, provide a first glimpse into the educational disruptions caused by intensified immigration raids and arrests. This research stands in stark contrast to many mainstream narratives that often focus solely on unauthorized immigrants and their families. Economist David Figlio, co-author of one of the studies, emphasizes that the ramifications of heightened enforcement measures are far-reaching, affecting various groups within the student population.
Student Absence Rates in California
The first study, led by Stanford University professor Thomas Dee, investigated student absenteeism in California’s Central Valley. The research linked a spike in absences directly to the initiation of “Operation Return to Sender,” which began in January 2025. This operation coincided closely with the certification of Trump’s electoral victory, intensifying parents’ fears for their children’s safety at school.
The findings revealed that students in the five counties examined missed an estimated 22% more days of school during the spring semester of 2025 compared to the previous two years. Strikingly, younger children were absent at even higher rates, with pre-kindergarten students missing an estimated 35% more days. These statistics highlight how broader socio-political factors can lead to significant educational interruptions.
Educational Outcomes in Florida
In parallel, a second study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research analyzed the academic performance of students in Florida, particularly focusing on Spanish-speaking children. The research elucidated a drop in test scores during the same time frame correlating with increased immigration enforcement.
Notably, the study found that test scores fell primarily among middle and high school students who spoke Spanish at home. Many of these students were U.S. citizens, including those from Puerto Rico, illustrating that the effects of immigration policy extend to individuals who are legally entitled to reside in the U.S. Even within schools serving lower-income populations, the decline in performance was greater than in wealthier areas. The researchers observed that girls, in particular, faced steeper drops in their scores compared to boys.
Variations in Absenteeism and Performance
While Dee’s research clearly demonstrated a surge in absenteeism in California, Figlio and Ozek found that absentee rates in the Florida county studied remained stable during heightened enforcement actions. This discrepancy may stem from differing demographics and the manner in which immigration enforcement was enforced in each region.
In Florida, over 35% of the public school student population was Hispanic, a group more likely to experience anxiety associated with immigration raids. As such, the lack of a spike in absenteeism does not imply a lack of impact; rather, it indicates a different type of response to the heightened enforcement climate.
Florida Test Scores and Discipline Trends
The researchers in Florida also noted a statistically significant relationship between immigration arrests and declining test scores on the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking, administered in most grades. Their analysis revealed that schools with a larger concentration of immigrant students, especially those from Central American countries, exhibited greater declines in academic performance, further underscoring the ripple effects of immigration enforcement.
In terms of school discipline, reports showed mixed results. Hispanic students and Spanish-speaking children saw slight decreases in disciplinary actions, which may suggest either an adaptation in student behavior or a shift in teachers’ attitudes influenced by the broader climate of fear. However, the study was unable to dissect these influences due to data constraints.
Implications for Journalism and Reporting
In light of the research, both Dee and Figlio offer practical insights for journalists tasked with reporting on the implications of immigration enforcement. Here are three critical recommendations:
-
Highlight the Importance of Attendance:
Student attendance significantly correlates with academic success. Frequent absences can lead to lower test scores, prolonged graduation timelines, and future career implications. Understanding the educational stakes involved is crucial for reporting accurately on the broader impacts of immigration policies. -
Acknowledge Community-Wide Effects:
The implications of immigration enforcement extend beyond the immediate targets, affecting entire communities. Journalists should include narratives from various demographic groups, including U.S. citizens, to provide a comprehensive view of how immigration crackdowns shape local educational landscapes. -
Engage with Existing Research:
Familiarity with extant research on immigration enforcement’s impact on children provides reporters with a solid foundation. This knowledge can inform nuanced reporting that transcends basic headlines and dives into the intricate realities affecting students’ lives.
Additional Research and Resources
- Recent Immigration Raids Increased Student Absences by Thomas Dee, PNAS, November 2025.
- The Effects of Immigration Enforcement on Student Outcomes in a New Era of Immigration Policy by David Figlio and Umut Özek, National Bureau of Economic Research working paper, November 2025.
- Barriers to Success: How U.S. Newspapers Frame the Challenges of Immigrant Students in Public Education by Kerri Evans et al., Social Sciences, June 2025.
By grounding narratives in comprehensive research and understanding the societal dynamics at play, journalists can more effectively contribute to discussions around immigration enforcement and education.
