Immigration resources
At Gates Chili Central School District, we are committed to creating schools where every student feels safe, valued and supported.
We understand that immigration enforcement actions and family separation can create fear, uncertainty and emotional stress for students and families. Our priority remains the well-being of every student in our care and ensuring that school continues to be a place of stability, belonging and support.
This page provides information and resources that may be helpful to families navigating concerns related to deportation, detention or separation. Here you will find:
- Community organizations that offer legal information and guidance
- Mental health and counseling resources
- Know-your-rights information
- Family preparedness and planning tools
If your family needs additional assistance, please contact your student’s principal or the Student Support Services team in your student’s building.
All students are guaranteed the right to attend school.
Every child has the right to an education, regardless of immigration status, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court.
Gates Chili Central School District welcomes all students.
Gates Chili will not take any action that might discourage students from enrolling and participating in school, or that might lead to the exclusion of students, based on immigration status.
Gates Chili Central School District protects student privacy.
Gates Chili does not ask about or disclose immigration status. The Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prevents schools from releasing students' education records, including information about immigration status.
Community partner resources
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ACLU Know Your Rights
Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Learn more here about your rights as an immigrant, and how to express them.
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Batavia Immigration Program
Provides universal representation to those detained at the Buffalo Federal detention Center in Batavia. Can also be reached by phone at (716) 847-0752.
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Catholic Family Services
Housing services, job training, citizenship, advocacy and language skills to immigration and refugees’ population.
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Enlace
Petitions and applications including Asylum, Deferred Action. Employment Authorization, Temporary Protected Status, U Visas, Adjustment of Status, Family Petitions, Waivers, Naturalization, and more.
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Freedom for Immigrants
Resources for people detained in the United States.
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Food pantry locator
Use this link through MyWayFinder to locate food pantries in our area.
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ICE Detainee Locator
Use this page to locate a detainee who is currently in ICE custody or who has been in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s custody for more than 48 hours.
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ILRC Red Cards
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC's red cards give examples of how people can exercise these rights.
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Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
ILRC is a national nonprofit organization that defends immigrant rights through specialized legal trainings, educational resources, and advocacy.
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Journey’s End Refugee Services
Immigration representation to low-income refugees, asylees, and other immigrants.
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Just Cause
Free legal assistance to immigrants throughout Monroe County seeking help with: citizenship, permanent residence applications, Temporary Protected Status, asylum, family-based petitions and family preparedness clinics.
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Legal Aid
Legal assistance and information to non-citizen individuals.
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New York Immigration Coalition
Community Resources for Immigrant New Yorkers including Know Your Rights Information, Family Preparedness Guides and more.
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NYS Guidance on Safeguarding the Rights of Immigrant Students
This guidance highlights and clarifies relevant resources for school districts regarding their obligations under state and federal law.
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Rochester Rapid Response
Support group to support immigrants experiencing separation or detention.
Family safety plan
Develop and keep a “Family Safety Plan” in a safe place for the care and custody of a student in case parents/guardians become unavailable due to arrest, detention, or some other reason. At a minimum, the plan will include:
- Updating the student’s emergency contact information: Families can update students’ emergency contact information as needed throughout the school year and provide alternative contacts if no parent or guardian is available.
- Making childcare arrangements: Families should designate a trusted adult to care for their student(s). They should discuss this plan in detail with the child(ren) and seek counsel from a legal organization on legal guardianship.
- Organize important documents: Families and students should know where to find important documentation, such as birth certificates, passports, ID cards, doctors’ contact information, medication lists, and lists of allergies.Use the NYIC Family Preparedness Guide for assistance in multiple languages.
Frequently asked questions
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Federal policies regarding immigration enforcement locations may change over time. Schools are not exempt from federal law enforcement activity. However, any law enforcement agency seeking access to school property or student information must comply with applicable federal and state laws.
Gates Chili Central School District follows established legal protocols in responding to any request from law enforcement. School officials do not grant access to students or student records without proper legal authority and consultation with district leadership and legal counsel.
Our priority is to ensure the safety, rights and privacy of all students while complying with the law.
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If an immigration officer arrives at a school, administrators follow district protocols. Officers may remain in public areas, such as a reception area, while school officials review identification and documentation. Access to students, private areas of the building or student records is not granted without appropriate legal authority. District leadership and legal counsel review any documentation before further action is taken. If legally permitted, a student’s parent or guardian would be notified.
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No. Gates Chili does not ask about or collect information regarding a student’s or family’s immigration status during enrollment or at any other time.
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Student education records are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other applicable laws. The district does not release student records without proper legal documentation or parental consent, except as required by law.
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No. Every student has the right to a free public education, regardless of immigration status, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court. Gates Chili will not take any action that discourages enrollment or participation in school based on immigration status.
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Families who have concerns or need assistance are encouraged to contact their student’s principal Student Support Services team member in their school. We can help connect families with appropriate school-based or community resources.