Right to Learn Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4]
- Committees
- Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 22, 2026
Bottom line
The bill creates a federal grant program to help schools and communities address the educational and psychological impacts of immigration enforcement on students and staff.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a competitive grant program, administered by the Secretary of Education, to provide federal funds to eligible entities such as schools, early childhood programs, and community organizations. The grants are intended to support students, families, and school personnel who are impacted by immigration enforcement actions, ensuring that educational environments remain safe and trauma-informed. Funds can be used for mental health services, emergency assistance, legal support navigation, professional development for staff, and community partnerships.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that immigration enforcement actions can cause significant trauma and instability for students and families, leading to educational disruption and mental health challenges. They contend this bill provides essential resources to schools and communities to mitigate these negative effects, uphold the constitutional right to education for all children, and foster inclusive, supportive learning environments, ultimately improving academic outcomes and well-being for vulnerable populations.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that this bill diverts federal education funds to address issues that are primarily immigration-related, potentially straining resources for core educational objectives. They may also contend that providing 'Know Your Rights' services and legal support could be seen as encouraging or facilitating non-compliance with immigration laws, or that it oversteps the traditional role of educational institutions.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for an informed reader to understand its provisions within a short timeframe.
Section 4(a), (b), (d) and Section 2(4)
Establishment of Competitive Grant Program and Eligibility
This provision directs the Secretary of Education to establish a competitive grant program, with initial grants lasting up to three years and potential for annual renewal. Eligible entities include local educational agencies, public schools, early childhood programs, institutions of higher education, community-based nonprofit organizations, and legal service providers. The Secretary is instructed to prioritize entities serving communities with high rates of immigration enforcement actions or 'specified individuals' (non-U.S. nationals or those with non-U.S. national household members), and those with established partnerships with community-based nonprofits or legal service providers.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that establishing a dedicated grant program is essential to channel federal resources directly to the entities best positioned to address the unique challenges faced by students and families impacted by immigration enforcement, ensuring a coordinated and effective response.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that creating new federal grant programs adds administrative overhead and complexity, and that existing funding mechanisms might be adapted to address these needs without establishing a new, specific program.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between creating a targeted funding stream for a specific issue versus relying on broader, more flexible existing federal education programs.
Section 4(c)
Comprehensive Support Services for Impacted Communities
This section outlines the permitted uses of grant funds, which are broadly categorized into student-focused stabilization, school personnel-focused services, and community collaboration. Student support includes hiring bilingual counselors, providing emergency assistance (transportation, food, shelter), offering mental health services, and developing inclusive curricula. For school personnel, funds can cover mental health services and professional development on trauma-informed practices, legal rights of immigrants, and culturally responsive crisis response. Community collaboration involves partnering with legal service providers for 'Know Your Rights' services, family reunification, and deportation defense.
Section 5
Data Privacy and Nondiscrimination for Immigrant Students and Families
This provision prohibits the Secretary of Education and grant recipients from requesting, collecting, or disclosing personally identifiable information about a student's or family member's immigration or citizenship status, with narrow exceptions for requirements by other federal law or judicial order. It also mandates that services provided under the Act cannot be denied or limited based on the actual or perceived immigration status of a student, family member, or school personnel. Grant applicants are required to certify compliance with applicable federal privacy laws, such as FERPA, and civil rights laws, such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.