Back to school in Miami-Dade comes with fear for immigrant families | Opinion

As classrooms across South Florida reopen for the new school year — Miami-Dade students return on Thursday — this should be a season of excitement, of backpacks brimming with fresh supplies and the promise of new beginnings.

Yet, for many immigrant families from Homestead to Doral to North Miami, this season carries a shadow.

Last spring, some of my fellow educators shared deeply troubling stories — of students disappearing from class not because they moved away, but because their families made the heartbreaking choice to go underground. Why? Fear of of ICE, their raids, of family separation and a system that feels increasingly hostile to their presence.

As a 23-year veteran teacher, former president of United Teachers of Dade, mother of two school-aged children and a neighbor and friend to immigrant families, I feel compelled to speak directly and lovingly to parents, especially those feeling the weight of uncertainty as schools reopen. I see you.

I write this with deep respect for the strength it takes to keep going in a country that too often questions your right to be here.

I understand the impossible decisions you face. And I know that when families remove their children from school out of fear, it’s an act of love — a desperate attempt to protect what matters most.

But I ask you now to please consider the powerful gift of education. When your child walks through the doors of a public school, they enter one of the last sacred spaces we still have for hope, growth and community.

No matter a child’s race, nationality, socioeconomic status or ability, our public schools are here to serve them.

And we, teachers and school support personnel, will always welcome them with open arms.

Knowledge cannot be deported. Learning has no borders. The education your child gains today will strengthen your family for generations to come.

Despite the rising fear fueled by divisive rhetoric and cruel policies designed to isolate us, we must resist. We must hold onto the belief that our community and our children deserve better.

To my fellow educators: Remember, we are not immigration officers. We are not required to share the status or whereabouts of our students. We have a deep moral obligation to teach, nurture and protect. Every child under our supervision deserves safety, stability and dignity. Let us lead with compassion and with a fierce refusal to let fear win.

To immigrant parents: Know your rights. Make an emergency family plan, but do not let fear steal your child’s right to learn. Keep them enrolled and connect with your child’s teachers. There are trusted resources through organizations like the American Federation of Teachers and immigrant rights groups who offer helpful tips to the undocumented.

This school year, which already began on Monday for Broward and on Wednesday for Monroe counties, help us create classrooms that are safe and welcoming. Let’s transform fear into solidarity and anxiety into empowerment.

By standing together as mothers, fathers, teachers, friends and neighbors, we keep our children where they belong — in safe learning environments where they can grow, dream and strive. Every child deserves it.

This Thursday, let’s walk through those school doors with hope, courage and unity.

Karla Hernández-Mats is a vice president with the American Federation of Teachers. She is also the past president of United Teachers of Dade, where she served from 2016 to 2025. She is a former Miami-Dade teacher.

This story was originally published August 12, 2025 at 3:32 PM.