The School Counselor and Working with Students Experiencing Issues Surrounding Undocumented Status

ASCA Position

School counselors promote each and every student’s academic, career and social/emotional development regardless of immigration status. They advocate for students’ right to access free and appropriate public education and advocate with and on behalf of students to ensure safety. School counselors actively work to address conditions that do not reflect the school counseling professional ethics. They maintain culturally sustaining practices to help create a safe and inclusive school environment to promote success for each and every student.

The Rationale

The 1982 Plyler v. Doe Supreme Court ruling (U.S. Supreme Court, 1982) constitutionally protects access to pre-K–12 public education for students who are undocumented. However, after high school, students who are undocumented confront the challenge of ineligibility for federal financial assistance and disparate state-level tuition policies. Therein, school counselors serve as frontline advocates for students who are undocumented, assist in navigating formidable obstacles and support access to postsecondary education (Diaz-Strong, 2025). In 2025, 23 states extended in-state tuition rates to qualifying students who are undocumented, while eight states provide need-based financial assistance to such individuals (Immigrants Rising, 2025). Given that school counselors address academic, career and social/emotional development, they have an ethical responsibility to stay informed of legislation and options that facilitate student access to postsecondary education and career opportunities. 
 
In addition to restricted access to financial aid for higher education, recent research underscores the unique stressors students who are undocumented face, including fear of deportation, family separation and concerns about their future (Muñoz et al., 2023; Salazar et al., 2024; U.S. Department of Education [USDE], 2015). Such challenges can significantly impede academic, career and social/emotional development, resulting in issues of depression, anxiety, fear, structural racism, absenteeism and acculturation (Abrego & Gonzales, 2010; Ee & Gándara, 2020; Torres-Olave et al., 2021). Consequently, school counselors are ethically obligated to offer services that meet the unique needs of students who are undocumented which may include research-based practices such as culturally sustaining practices, strengths-based approaches and school-based strategies within a multitiered system of supports (Edirmanasinghe et al., 2022; Goodman-Scott et al., 2022; Ponterotto et al., 2008).  These practices are vital tools for systemic change.  

The School Counselor's Role

School counselors focus their skills, time and energy on delivering direct and indirect services that have a positive impact on each and every student, including students experiencing issues surrounding undocumented status regardless of national origin, race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or other demographic factors (ASCA, 2025). As integral members of the educational team, school counselors use leadership, advocacy and collaboration to promote equitable opportunities and systemic change that foster an inclusive school climate. 
 
Recognizing that some students face unique legal, social and psychological challenges, school counselors continually refine their knowledge of the legal landscape as well as evidence-based practices addressing family separation, detention, deportation and other immigration-related issues. Through their comprehensive school counseling programs, school counselors ensure each and every student receives the academic, career and social/emotional supports necessary to thrive in school and beyond.
 
To promote success for each and every student regardless of immigration status, school counselors:

• Support students who are undocumented by helping them obtain an education that meets their needs and prepares them for postsecondary opportunities, including informing students and families about educational opportunities and rights (e.g., referrals for multilingual language services, special education services and medical treatment).
• Assist students with seeking postsecondary goals, navigating college access and finding funding for their goals, keeping abreast of current policies and practices of postsecondary institutions regarding access for students who are undocumented.
• Provide social/emotional support for students affected by immigration stressors, including support if the student has been discriminated against or experiences bullying or harassment.
• Advocate for the rights of each and every student, including students who are undocumented, by ensuring students are not barred from education based on international birth certificates, lack of a Social Security number or a home language other than English.
• Advocate for schools to be a safe haven for students who are undocumented and follow federal, state and local laws; district policy; and ethical practice related to divulging confidentialinformation to any individuals and outside agencies without proper legal documentation.
• Advocate against the practice of separating children from their families at U.S. borders (ASCA, 2018).
• Partner with available community resources to support referrals in assisting families with challenges surrounding their immigration status, including recovery associated with keeping families intact when possible and trauma resulting from separation.
• Collaborate with school and district personnel and education partners to eliminate discriminatory language and actions toward students who are undocumented and their families. 
• Inform school and district personnel, students, families and the community about policies, procedures and rights of students who are undocumented and their families.

Summary

School counselors understand that students who are undocumented need support for legal, financial and social stressors as well as assistance with postsecondary goals. School counselors have a responsibility to provide services to each and every student regardless of their immigration status, to advocate for their access to services and to prevent discrimination against students by removing barriers impeding student development and achievement.