Supporting our Immigrant & Refugee Students

Hands Together

Every day, PSESD stands with our immigrant and refugee families.

The Puget Sound Educational Service District has a board approved End or vision of Success for Each Child and Eliminate the Opportunity Gap by Leading with Racial Equity. 

2019 Public Charge Rule Permanently Blocked Nationwide

On March 9, 2021, the Biden Administration announced it would stop defending lawsuits challenging the 2019 public charge rule. Federal courts have dismissed the government's appeals. Once the judicial invalidation of the 2019 rule becomes final, the 1999 interim field guidance on the public charge inadmissibility provision (i.e., the policy that was in place before the 2019 rule) will apply. Per the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, "DHS will not consider a person’s receipt of Medicaid (except for Medicaid for long-term institutionalization), public housing, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as part of the public charge inadmissibility determination.  In addition, medical treatment or preventive services for COVID-19, including vaccines, will not be considered for public charge purposes." 

Background

In the wake of executive orders issued restricting immigration in 2017, and subsequent policies and actions including the public charge rule, we recognize many students and families have been impacted. We also recognize that many more students may be fearful for the safety of their families and may come to their teachers and administrators seeking support or answers to questions. Below you will find resources to help you support students and families. While we recognize that some staff members may also be impacted and have questions, we encourage district employees to first contact their central office staff for support.

Additionally, in September 2017, the PSESD Board of Directors passed a Resolution in Support of Immigrant and Refugee Students and Families.  In 2018, the PSESD submitted comments in opposition to the public charge proposal.

Statements in Support of Immigrant and Refugee Families