Belonging Beyond Borders

The Hidden Crisis in Our Schools

Anti-immigrant bullying remains one of the most underreported and under addressed forms of harassment in our schools today. In our current climate of heightened anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies, accurately measuring the full scale of this problem presents significant challenges—many incidents go unreported due to fear, language barriers, and concerns about drawing attention to immigration status.

Research reveals a troubling pattern: anti-immigrant bullying is the form of harassment least likely to be reported by victims, least likely to be addressed by adults, and least likely to receive media attention. This silence allows the problem to persist unchecked, with devastating consequences for vulnerable young people.

Approximately 60% of school administrators report incidents of anti-immigrant bullying in their institutions, yet many incidents go undocumented and unaddressed. The consequences are severe and far-reaching:

• Students targeted by anti-immigrant bullying experience increased stress, anxiety, and depression
• Academic performance suffers, with some students avoiding school or specific classes
• Long-term effects can include decreased self-esteem and difficulties in social integration
• The school climate becomes damaged, affecting all students’ sense of safety
• Community cohesion and integration efforts are hindered

Perhaps most troubling, studies show that non-immigrant students are significantly less likely to intervene when witnessing anti-immigrant bullying compared to other forms of harassment. This “bystander apathy” creates a culture where vulnerable students feel isolated and unsupported by their peers.

The tragic death of Jocelynn Rojo Carranza underscores the urgent reality of this crisis. Though Jocelynn was a U.S. citizen born in the United States, she faced bullying related to her family’s perceived immigration status. Her story reminds us that anti-immigrant bullying affects a broad spectrum of students—including U.S. citizens—and demonstrates how pervasive stereotypes and threats can inflict serious harm regardless of a child’s actual legal status.

UNITING FOR CHANGE: EVERYONE HAS A ROLE

Anti-immigrant bullying affects entire communities, and addressing it effectively requires action from everyone – educators, parents, students, community organizations, and community members. Creating safe, inclusive environments where all students feel valued requires a unified approach that extends beyond school walls.

When educators have proper support from parents, when parents collaborate with community organizations, when students are empowered by caring adults, and when community members stand united against prejudice – that’s when meaningful change happens. Together, we can build a comprehensive safety net that catches vulnerable students before they fall through the cracks.