Growing Hope: How Family Giving Tree Supports Immigrant Students
By Evelyn Hyunh, Mikey J Smith
In California, every child has the right to a free public education, regardless of where they were born. But in today’s climate, fear and uncertainty can make that right feel extremely fragile. At Family Giving Tree, we believe education should be a sanctuary, not a stressor. That’s why we’re committed to supporting immigrant and other students and their families with the supplies, encouragement, and care they need to succeed.
A Legal Promise to Every Child
The foundation for protecting immigrant students in our public schools goes back to 1982, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Plyler v. Doe that states cannot deny free public education to students based on immigration status. This landmark decision ensures that children residing in the U.S.—regardless of how they arrived—have the same access to learning as any other child.
California took that protection a step further in 2017 by passing Assembly Bill 699. This legislation requires public schools to implement policies that protect students from discrimination and restrict federal immigration enforcement on school campuses. It also ensures that families know their rights and that schools are ready to support them if immigration enforcement actions affect their lives.
Building Safe Spaces Through State Support
In January 2025, California Attorney General Rob Bonta released updated guidance to help schools maintain safe and welcoming environments. These resources help educators understand their responsibilities and equip them to support students and families through times of stress. Importantly, they’re available in multiple languages so no family is left out of the loop.
→ Read the full guidance
When Fear Walks Through the School Gate
The need for these protections isn’t just theoretical—it’s real. In 2017, a father in Los Angeles was detained by ICE just after dropping off his daughter at school. The video of the incident sparked nationwide outcry and led to a steep decline in attendance across the district, as families feared the same might happen to them.
→ Read the LA Times story
Today, with shifting federal policies and rumors of enforcement actions near schools, anxiety is again on the rise. Families are afraid. Students are distracted. And schools are working harder than ever to reassure their communities.
→ Recent coverage from SF Chronicle
Family Giving Tree: Standing With Students, Every Step of the Way
At Family Giving Tree, we understand that backpacks aren’t just about notebooks and pencils. They’re about confidence, consistency, growth, and showing a child that they are seen and supported—especially during uncertain times.
For immigrant families—and all the families we serve—a brand-new backpack filled with supplies can represent so much more than school readiness. It’s a symbol of hope, dignity, and community care.
That’s why during our annual Back-to-School Drive, we partner with local schools and agencies like the Migrant Education Program to ensure every child, no matter their background, starts the school year with the tools they need to thrive.
Because no child’s education should be disrupted by fear.
Because every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.
Because TOGETHER we can grow hope.
To learn how you can get involved with our 2025 Back-to-School Drive, click here.
