Across the United States, foreign-born teachers are increasingly worried about their ability to continue working amid renewed immigration crackdowns under President Donald Trump. Many educators, some naturalized citizens and others on temporary visas, are facing uncertainty that threatens not only their careers but also the students who rely on them.
The Human Impact: Susanna’s Story
For the past two years, Susanna*, a pre-school teacher in Washington, DC, spent her weekdays reading picture books, organizing classroom activities, and leading choruses of songs. But her routine came to an abrupt halt in October when her work permit renewal was denied.
Susanna, an asylum seeker from Guatemala, was forced to stop working immediately, leaving young students confused and upset. “In one week, I lost everything,” she told Al Jazeera in Spanish. “When I told the kids goodbye, they asked me why, and I told them, ‘I can only tell you goodbye.’ There were kids that hugged me, and it hurt my heart a lot.”
Foreign-Born Teachers Filling US Shortages
Immigrant educators are vital to the U.S. education system. A 2019 George Mason University report found that nearly 857,200 immigrants were teaching across the country, from pre-school to universities, representing roughly 10% of all U.S. teachers.
In the 2023–2024 school year alone, the U.S. government issued 6,716 temporary exchange visas to foreign teachers, primarily from countries such as the Philippines, Jamaica, Spain, and Colombia, to fill gaps in pre-kindergarten, primary, and secondary schools.
However, Trump’s policies, including changes to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other visa programs, have created a climate of fear for these educators.
The Situation at CommuniKids
At CommuniKids, a language immersion school in Washington, DC, foreign-born teachers comprise nearly 90% of the staff. The school offers programs in Spanish, French, and Mandarin, making experienced immigrant teachers essential.
Cofounder Raul Echevarría explained that recent immigration crackdowns have directly affected several staff members, particularly teachers from Venezuela whose TPS status was rescinded in October 2025. Their work authorizations will expire in October 2026, jeopardizing both their livelihoods and the school’s operations.
“These teachers lost their ability to make a living,” Echevarría said, emphasizing the critical role they play in educating multilingual students.
The Emotional Toll on Students
Educators form strong emotional bonds with students, especially in early childhood programs. The sudden departure of teachers can disrupt children’s development, affecting language skills, emotional stability, and academic progress.
A 2024 study from the American Educational Research Association found that children experience measurable setbacks in language development when teachers leave midyear. This disruption also impacts mental health, potentially causing anxiety, depression, and even selective mutism in young learners.
Parents have echoed these concerns. Michelle Howell, whose child attends CommuniKids, described the loss of teachers as a deeply destabilizing experience for children:
“The teachers aren’t just educators. They’re like extended family…When those people disappear, it’s not just hard for the kids. It’s hard for everyone.”
School psychologist Maria C. noted a rise in anxiety-related behaviors among students, attributing these changes to stress caused by teacher departures and the uncertainty surrounding immigration enforcement.
Preparing for the Worst: Contingency Plans
In response to these challenges, schools like CommuniKids are implementing contingency measures to protect staff and students. These include partnerships with local authorities, on-call legal support, and clear protocols to reduce fear during potential immigration enforcement visits.
Teachers are advised to carry passports and work permits, a precaution even practiced by Echevarría himself, a U.S.-born citizen, highlighting the pervasive sense of uncertainty under current policies.
“I’m bilingual and of Hispanic descent,” Echevarría said. “Given how things are, I want to be able to prove I’m a citizen if anyone ever questions it.”
Looking Abroad: Filling Teacher Gaps
States with significant teacher shortages, such as North Carolina, Florida, and Texas, have relied heavily on foreign-born educators. For instance, North Carolina employed 1,063 foreign nationals as full-time teachers on J-1 visas during the 2023–2024 school year.
However, uncertainty in immigration policy threatens the stability of these recruitment programs, potentially exacerbating existing shortages and leaving classrooms without experienced teachers.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 10% of U.S. teachers are immigrants, many of whom are vulnerable under Trump’s immigration policies.
- Changes to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and work visas threaten teachers’ livelihoods.
- The sudden departure of educators negatively impacts students’ emotional well-being and academic development.
- Schools are implementing contingency plans, legal support, and safety protocols to mitigate risks.
- Recruiting foreign-born teachers is critical for addressing teacher shortages in the U.S., but policy uncertainty creates systemic challenges.
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