BSD Families & Immigration

Immigration status does not impact a student’s ability to enroll and attend school, receive school meals and services, or participate in school activities.

BSD doesn't ask for, require or collect information about immigration status.

BSD doesn't require a U.S. birth certificate. There are many ways families can show the age of their child without a birth certificate.

No. Those questions on the district registration form are completely optional. Families can choose not to share that information and aren't required to include that information on their registration form.

Oregon statute prevents state and local law enforcement from assisting with federal immigration actions. The Washington County District Attorney made clear on December 30, 2024, that the county will not violate state law.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits the district from releasing student educational records without prior parental consent except in limited circumstances, such as a legal order, a subpoena or with the signed consent of the parent/guardian. A subpoena from Immigration and Customs Enforcement must be verified by the Superintendent's Office. The law requires the district to make a reasonable effort to notify parents about a subpoena before producing any information so the parent can object or otherwise seek protection from the subpoena.

The district can release directory information unless the parent/guardian has opted out. 

“Directory information” is a very limited amount of personally identifiable information about a student, including their name and image. Its primary use is to allow students' names and images to be included in such things as yearbooks, athletic and activity programs, and videos and photos on BSD websites and social media. Under Oregon law, directory information does not include a student's address, email or phone number, birthdate, identification number or parents' names (see OAR 581-021-0220(2)). 

If you want to opt your child out of directory information, annually notify your school office in writing.

Students should report any harassment or bullying to school administrators or staff immediately. Students and families also may file a bias Incident report online.

Schools don't confirm attendance of students or release them to any outside agency (with the exception of DHS when there is a concern about child abuse in the student's home and only after the school has verified the identity and credentials of the agency representative).

It is important that parents/guardians provide the school with updated emergency contact information, including who has permission to pick the child up from school and who the school can communicate with. Parents/guardians may want to create an emergency preparedness plan with their students and share that with the trusted adult who's the student's emergency contact.

BSD doesn't provide legal advice. There are community-based organizations that provide legal advice and services. Some of these organizations can be found on the Supporting Immigrant and Refugee Students and Families webpage.

If students have concerns about their immigration status, they should speak with a trusted adult, like a parent, counselor or school administrator. Families can seek legal advice from an immigration attorney.

BSD school counselors have information about how students can apply to college.  Families also may consider speaking with the admissions department of the college or program that they wish to attend. Check out these resources for more information:

• Oregon Department of Education: Civil Rights Protections, Oregon's Sanctuary Law, Understanding Mixed-Status Families, Access to Higher Education
• Repository of Resources for Undocumented Students