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The evolving landscape of migrant students’ rights in the US amid immigration debates

Migrant students in the United States navigate a complex landscape of rights and challenges as they pursue their education. With immigration debates intensifying, it’s crucial to understand their legal protections, particularly as of April 9, 2025. Federal laws ensure access to education for all children, regardless of immigration status. However, barriers persist, often fueled by policy shifts and enforcement practices.
Recent trends reflect both progress and setbacks. The 1982 US Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe guarantees free public education for undocumented students, a landmark decision that has been upheld despite ongoing attempts to challenge it. However, with nearly 5.1 million K-12 students having at least one undocumented parent, and over 407,000 undocumented students enrolled in higher education, their rights remain a focal point amid evolving immigration policies.
Legal Foundations Protecting Migrant Students
The Plyler v. Doe decision is the cornerstone of migrant students’ rights, affirming that states cannot deny education based on citizenship status. Reinforced by the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the Fourth Amendment, schools are obligated to provide equal access and maintain safe environments. The US Department of Education (ED) and Department of Justice (DOJ) regularly issue guidance to remind school districts of these obligations, particularly during Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
Beyond K-12 education, according to National Data on Immigrant Students, immigrant-origin students — both first- and second-generation — comprise 32% of higher education enrollees as of 2022, driving 90% of enrollment growth since 2000. Federal laws also protect English learners (ELs), who numbered over five million in US schools during the 2021-22 school year, ensuring they receive the necessary language support to succeed academically.
Challenges in the Classroom and Beyond
Despite legal safeguards, migrant students face significant challenges. Zero-tolerance policies and the presence of school resource officers (SROs)— as per the National Center for Education Statistics more than 52,000 nationwide — can entangle students in what is known as the “school-to-deportation pipeline.” For example, minor incidents, like doodling, have led to deportations, disproportionately affecting low-income students of color. Attendance often drops after ICE raids, with one school in the Tri-State area reporting a 50% decline in attendance the day after an operation.
International students on visas, such as those recently targeted for deportation, face challenges with detention and visa revocations. Louisiana, which holds the second-highest number of ICE detainees in the U.S. (over 7,000 across nine private detention facilities), has been accused of human rights abuses, complicating these students’ legal battles. Only Texas surpasses Louisiana in the number of detainees, making the state a key hub for immigration detention, particularly following a surge during the previous administration.
Supporting Migrant Students’ Success
States and educators are stepping up to support migrant students. Eight states now publish detailed immigrant student data, helping allocate resources effectively, while the ED’s Newcomer Toolkit offers strategies for providing social-emotional support. Advocates are pushing for the removal of SROs and ending data-sharing practices with ICE, emphasizing the importance of schools as safe havens. With immigration policies under scrutiny, safeguarding migrant students’ rights requires vigilance, compassion, and adherence to federal protections, fostering their academic and economic success.
Key Rights of Migrant Students in the US
Based on the information provided and widely recognized legal frameworks, here are the key rights to which migrant students, particularly undocumented or immigrant-origin students, are entitled under federal law. Although there isn’t a single document titled “Migrant Students’ Rights” consolidating all these rights, they are derived from landmark court rulings, federal statutes, and guidance from agencies like the US Department of Education (ED) and Department of Justice (DOJ). Here’s a detailed breakdown:
• Right to Free Public K-12 Education: Established by the 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe, all children—regardless of immigration status—are guaranteed access to free public education. States cannot deny enrollment based on lack of documentation such as Social Security numbers.
• Equal Protection Under the Law: The 14th Amendment ensures migrant students receive the same educational opportunities as US citizens, prohibiting discrimination based on immigration status.
• Protection from Discriminatory Enforcement: The 1964 Civil Rights Act’s Title VI bans discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. This provision applies to migrant students, particularly English learners (ELs), ensuring fair treatment in schools.
• Language Assistance for English Learners: Federal law, including the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974, mandates that schools provide language support to over five million ELs, helping them overcome linguistic barriers to academic success.
• Safe School Environment: The Fourth Amendment protects students from unreasonable searches and seizures, meaning schools cannot freely share student information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unless legally compelled.
• Access to Higher Education: While undocumented students are ineligible for federal financial aid, they can still attend college, and some states offer in-state tuition or state aid to eligible immigrant students.

In Manitoba, Canada, you can find the world’s largest concentration of snakes at the Narcisse Snake Dens. Each year, around 75,000 red-sided garter snakes gather in these dens, which are limestone sinkholes offering shelter from the extreme cold. While the area can experience temperatures as low as -45 degree celcius, the sinkholes provide a warmer environment for the snakes to survive. Despite being about the size of a living room, these sinkholes become temporary homes for tens of thousands of snakes, creating a remarkable natural spectacle.

According to a November 2023 study published in Behavioural Ecology, some snakes mingle not too differently from other social animals around us. Butler’s garter snakes, for example, show a complex social structure sorted by age and sex.

According to Forbes, these dens provide perfect hibernation conditions for red-sided garter snakes. A subspecies of the common garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis, red-sided garter snakes are found across North America. However, the unique environment of Manitoba’s Interlake region offers conditions unlike anywhere else.

Here, winter routinely drops below -30 degree celcius, and snow buries the prairie for nearly half the year. For an ectotherm whose body temperature hinges on the temperature in its surroundings, that would be a death sentence. But beneath the wind-scoured fields of Narcisse lies a subterranean sanctuary forged by time. The bedrock here is limestone-soft, porous and ancient.

Roughly 450 million years ago, this ground was the floor of a tropical sea teeming with marine life. Over aeons, water dissolved the calcium carbonate, etching deep fissures and caverns into the stone. These underground sinkholes and crevasses stretch several metres below the surface-deep enough to stay below the frostline but just above the water table.

China has slammed the United States’ “bullying nature”, after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Beijing was threatening the Panama Canal’s operations. Beijing said US officials had “maliciously attacked” it over the key waterway to further its own interests. China is also reportedly influencing the Trump administration-backed sale of two key Panama Canal ports, operated by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison, to US investment firm BlackRock.

“Senior US officials have maliciously attacked China, smearing and undermining China-Panama cooperation, once again exposing the United States’ bullying nature,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing.

This came after the Chinese embassy in Panama, in a statement on X, said the US has used “blackmail” to back its own interests and the “US doesn’t have the right to interfere in” who Panama chooses to carry out business with.

“The US has carried out a sensationalistic campaign about the ‘theoretical Chinese threat’ in an attempt to sabotage Chinese-Panamanian cooperation, which is all just rooted in the United States’ own geopolitical interests,” the embassy wrote.

Pete Hegseth’s Panama Visit

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the second senior US official to visit Panama since President Donald Trump took office in January, on Tuesday vowed to “take back” the “US-built” canal to counter what he sees as China’s influence over the waterway. Hegseth’s visit to Panama comes two months after that of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“Today, the Panama Canal faces ongoing threats…The United States of America will not allow communist China or any other country to threaten the canal’s operation or integrity,” Hegseth said in a speech Tuesday at a police station located at the entry to the shipping route.

He also met with Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino, with the two issuing a joint statement that affirmed security ties. However, there was a notable discrepancy in the versions released by both sides on the issue of Panama’s sovereignty over the canal.

“Secretary Hegseth recognized Panama’s leadership and inalienable sovereignty over the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas,” read a Spanish-language statement released by Mulino’s office.

That sentence did not appear in the English-language statement released by the US government.

However, shortly after that visit, Panama announced it was pulling out of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s landmark global infrastructure program, the Belt and Road Initiative.

Panama Canal Issue

Hong Kong company CK Hutchison operates two ports at either end of the canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific, through which five percent of all global shipping passes.

The Trump administration has put immense pressure on Panama to reduce what it calls Chinese influence on the canal, which Washington sees as a threat to US national security. Panama has, however, denied the assertions that China exercises undue control over the waterway.

But faced with Trump’s repeated threats to seize the canal, Panama has put pressure on CK Hutchison to pull out of the country. In January, it began an audit of Panama Ports — the subsidiary — to determine if it was honoring its concession contract.

After months of President Trump repeatedly saying that China asserted too much control over the Panama Canal, CK Hutchison, in March, announced an agreement to sell 43 ports in 23 countries — including its two on the canal — to a group led by giant US asset manager BlackRock for $19 billion in cash.

The deal was touted as a victory by President Donald Trump and was scheduled to be signed on April 2. But a furious Beijing has since announced an antitrust review of the deal, which likely prevented the parties from signing an agreement last week as had been planned, according to a report by AFP.

It was further delayed after on the eve of Hegseth’s visit, Panama’s comptroller announced that the audit had revealed “many breaches” of the contract and said Panama did not receive $1.2 billion it was owed from the operator.
 

There are days when the mind feels cluttered, the body feels heated, and staying focused seems nearly impossible. In such moments, turning to a natural practice can bring surprising relief. One such gem from Ayurveda is Sitali Pranayama – a simple breathing technique known for its cooling and calming effects. With just five minutes of mindful breathing, it becomes easier to slow things down, clear mental fog, and bring the body back into balance. This ancient technique doesn’t require any fancy tools or a yoga mat—just a little time, a quiet space, and the willingness to breathe with awareness.

What is Sitali Pranayama?

Sitali Pranayama, often referred to as the “cooling breath,” is a pranayama (breathing) technique from Ayurveda that involves inhaling through the mouth and exhaling through the nose. The unique part of this practice is how the breath is drawn in, creating a cooling effect on the body. It is believed to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and provide clarity of mind. Essentially, it works as a natural “air conditioner” for the body, cooling down internal heat and bringing a sense of tranquility.

How does Sitali Pranayama work?

Sitali Pranayama works through the process of controlled breathing. The practitioner rolls the tongue into a tube-like shape, inhales deeply through the mouth, and then exhales through the nose. The cool air drawn in through the mouth has a soothing effect on the body, lowering overall temperature and calming the nervous system. It’s like giving the body an instant refresh.

When practiced correctly, Sitali Pranayama activates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for promoting relaxation. This helps reduce the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, and balances the body’s natural rhythm, making it easier to concentrate and remain calm even in stressful situations.

Who should practice Sitali Pranayama?

This pranayama is beneficial for anyone looking to reduce stress, cool down, or improve focus, but it can be especially useful for:

However, those who have respiratory issues like asthma or cold-related conditions may want to consult with a healthcare professional before trying this practice.

Why is Sitali Pranayama important?

In a world where stress is a constant companion, taking time out to focus on breath and mindfulness is a game-changer. Sitali Pranayama doesn’t just cool the body—it cools the mind as well, providing a mental break in moments of tension. Its importance lies in its ability to:

The beauty of this breathing technique is in its simplicity—it only requires five minutes to feel the benefits, making it easy to incorporate into a daily routine.

Does it actually work?

The short answer is, yes. Numerous studies support the efficacy of pranayama and other breathwork techniques in reducing stress and improving mental clarity. Sitali Pranayama, specifically, is often recommended in Ayurveda for cooling the body and calming the mind.
Scientific evidence shows that controlled breathing exercises like Sitali Pranayama help regulate the autonomic nervous system, reduce cortisol levels, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which fosters a sense of relaxation and balance. It’s not just a practice rooted in ancient wisdom—it’s one that modern science continues to validate for its many benefits.

How to practice Sitali Pranayama?

To get started with Sitali Pranayama, follow these simple steps:

With consistent practice, it becomes an effortless way to bring calm and focus into daily life.

India will buy 26 Rafale M fighter jets – i.e., the marine variants – for the Navy in a record government-to-government deal worth over Rs 63,000 crore, sources told NDTV Tuesday.

These will be the first major fighter jet upgrade for the country’s naval forces. The purchase had been first considered in July 2023, when the Defence Ministry contacted its French counterpart.

The deal will also include a comprehensive package for fleet maintenance, logistical support, personnel training, and indigenous manufacturing of components under offset obligations.

The agreements will likely be signed later this month, when French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu visits India. Deliveries are expected five years after the deal is confirmed, sources said.

The fleet is, therefore, not likely to be fully inducted before 2031.

The Rafale M is widely considered one of the world’s most advanced naval fighter jets.

It is equipped with Safran Groups’ reinforced landing gears – regarded as one of the best for carrier-compatible aircraft – and also features folding wings, and a reinforced undercarriage to withstand harsh conditions, deck landing, and tailhooks.

NDTV Explains | Significance Of Rafale Boost For Navy’s Fighter Fleet

The jets – 22 single-seater and four twin-seater variants – will be deployed primarily on board indigenously-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, as India looks to strengthen maritime strike capabilities, given the need to keep a watch on Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean region.

“We are tweaking our strategy to “negate” any infringement in its area of operations and is “ready to tackle threats from all neighbours”, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi said in December.

The Navy’s new Rafales will also help enhance the Air Force’s capabilities, including upgrading the ‘buddy-buddy’ aerial refuelling system, i.e., which allows one jet, equipped with a refuelling pod, to act as a fuel tanker for another, which allows the fighters to stay airborne longer.

The Navy’s new Rafales will complement the existing fleet of MiG-29Ks, which will likely continue to operate from INS Vikramaditya, India’s second (and older) aircraft carrier.

The Navy is also planning to induct indigenous, fifth-gen fighter jets that are being developed by the Defence Research and Development Institute, or DRDO.

NDTV Exclusive | First Look At Futuristic Variant Of India’s Tejas Fighter

These – styled as twin-engine, deck-based fighters – will be the naval counterpart of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, or AMCA, being developed for the Air Force.

The Air Force operates 36 Rafale jets – the ‘C’ variant – out of two bases in the north.

With input from agencies

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The BJP and AAP are engaged in a political battle over the issue, with the Education Minister blaming AAP for diluting fee hike regulations. AAP accuses the BJP of enabling private schools to exploit parents and demands a fee freeze and audit.

NEW DELHI: Protests erupted outside DPS Dwarka on Wednesday as several parents gathered to oppose the recent fee hike and alleging unfair treatment of students whose families are resisting the increased charges.
Among the protesters was a parent who claimed her son had been barred from attending regular classes since March 21 and was being made to sit in the library, even though the approved fee was being paid in full.
“I have two children in the school. My daughter is allowed inside the classroom, but my son is made to sit in the library. I am paying the approved fees, not the unapproved hike,” she said, demanding immediate intervention. “This issue is already in court. Why should our children suffer?”
The protest comes amid widespread backlash over fee hikes in private schools across the national capital, fuelling a fresh political tussle between the BJP-led central government and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Education minister Ashish Sood blamed the AAP for allegedly diluting long-standing legal safeguards that regulated school fee hikes. “The Supreme Court’s order in the 2004 Modern School case clearly mandated that Delhi schools must take DoE approval before any hike. But this order was dismissed in 2024 under the AAP government,” he said.
Sood also announced the formation of a high-level audit committee under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to probe fee hikes. “Schools will be audited. If any school is found guilty of taking money under the table or failing audit norms, it won’t be spared,” he added.
Hitting back, AAP Leader and Leader of Opposition Atishi accused the new BJP-led government of allowing private schools to “loot” parents. In a letter to CM Rekha Gupta, she urged an immediate freeze on all enhanced fee collections and called for a time-bound CAG-audited review of school accounts.
“Education is not a business. No school should be allowed to hike fees unless it is absolutely necessary to meet legitimate expenses. The BJP government has turned a blind eye in just two months, allowing private schools to impose unreasonable hikes,” she wrote.
Atishi said that under the AAP regime, strict fee regulation was maintained in both letter and spirit. “Now, parents are forced to protest outside school gates because they’re being denied access for not paying inflated fees.”

The Reserve Bank of India has cut repo rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 6 per cent. This will reduce borrowing costs for banks and enable them to lend money to individual customers at lower rates, reducing EMIs for loans. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said today that the Monetary Policy Committee had voted unanimously to reduce the repo rate.

This is the second time this year that the central bank has cut repo rate. Earlier, it had reduced the key rate to 6.25 per cent in February.

The repo rate, also known as the purchase agreement rate, is the interest rate charged by the RBI from commercial banks on the money it lends to them. So when it is reduced, banks often pass on the benefits to the consumers.

The RBI Governor said the financial year begins on an anxious note for the global economy and the central bank is keeping an eye on inflation risks emerging from global uncertainties. This comes days after the Donald Trump administration in the US imposed reciprocal tariffs on exports from India.

“The dent on global growth due to trade frictions will impede domestic growth. Higher tariffs may have an impact on net exports. India is very proactively engaging with the US administration on trade,” the RBI Governor said. He said it is difficult to quantify now the impact global developments would have on growth. But he said the central bank was not concerned about being able to manage domestic growth.

The prospects for the agriculture sector remain bright and manufacturing activity is showing signs of revival, he said. “Services sector continues to show resilience. Urban consumption is picking up with uptick in discretionary spending,” he said, adding that balance sheets of banks and corporates are “healthy”.

The RBI Governor said that the Monetary Policy Committee had noted that inflation is currently below target and the sharp fall in food prices.

Garena Free Fire MAX redeem codes for April 9

Garena Free Fire Max represents an upgraded version of the popular Garena Free Fire, which gained substantial traction in India after its predecessor was banned. Known for its exceptional visuals and engaging gameplay, this game has garnered widespread acclaim among gamers across the nation.
One notable aspect of Garena Free Fire Max is its daily redemption codes, which inject excitement and urgency into the player experience. These codes are available for a limited period, typically ranging from 12 to 18 hours, heightening anticipation and engagement levels among users.
Following developer guidelines, the 12-character alphanumeric redemption codes of Garena Free Fire Max offer daily rewards to a maximum of 500 registered players, ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for progression within the game.
With its time-sensitive rewards, impressive graphics, innovative features, and immersive gameplay, Garena Free Fire Max continues to captivate the gaming community. Its intricately designed universe promises an exhilarating adventure for players.
As the premier battle royale game in India, Garena Free Fire Max maintains its dominance in the gaming landscape, encouraging players to partake in intense battles, strategic gameplay, and exclusive rewards for an unparalleled gaming experience.

What are Free Fire Max redeem codes

Enhance your gaming adventure with exclusive redemption codes tailored for Garena Free Fire Max, providing access to a wide range of in-game perks and rewards. Whether you’re an experienced player or new to the virtual battlefield, these codes offer a unique opportunity to elevate your gaming experience, strategize effectively, and dive deeper into the excitement of the game.
Comprising 12-character alphanumeric sequences, including a mix of uppercase letters and numbers, these codes significantly enrich the overall gaming experience. Upon successful redemption, players unlock a variety of thrilling rewards that not only enhance the gaming atmosphere but also provide strategic advantages on the digital battleground.
Take advantage of the opportunity to elevate your gaming journey with meticulously crafted redemption codes designed for Garena Free Fire Max. These codes unlock sought-after weapons, distinctive skins, and other in-game items, enhancing immersion and delivering a personalised gaming experience like no other.

Garena Free Fire Max redeem codes today, April 9

How to redeem Free Fire codes

Important tips

An Indian-born content creator living in Austria has gone viral for highlighting the benefits of a European lifestyle, strikingly comparing his life in India. Lakshay Arora, now based in Vienna, shared a video on Instagram revealing how he had unknowingly accepted chaos and toxicity as “normal” in India. By moving to Europe, Mr Arora said he experienced a significant shift in his perspective, forcing him to unlearn his old way of life and adapt to a new, more refined lifestyle.

He highlighted the advantages of European countries, particularly their emphasis on work-life balance and overall quality of life. He noted that Europe offers a range of benefits, including an efficient, clean, and punctual public transportation system, lower pollution levels, and greener urban spaces. Additionally, he mentioned a higher sense of personal safety, even at night, as well as better healthcare, unemployment benefits, and social systems. Furthermore, Mr Arora appreciated the increased privacy and independence in social interactions that European culture provides, contributing to a more desirable and sustainable lifestyle.

In contrast, he wrote about the challenges he faced in India, where life is often hectic and marred by poor services and alarming pollution levels. He highlighted the demanding work culture, characterised by longer working hours and unrealistic job expectations. Additionally, he pointed out the inadequacies of public transportation in major cities, which are often overcrowded and inefficient. 

“Vienna likely offers a calm, balanced pace that contrasts with the fast and chaotic lifestyle found in many Indian cities,” he wrote. 

Watch the video here:

The post has sparked a heated debate about the pros and cons of living in India versus abroad. While sis post resonated with many, it also drew criticism from others who disagreed with his views. 

One user wrote, “Agreed. Work-life balance is good. I am going on vacation for 3 weeks and my supervisors told me to not even think about work or even check my emails. My city has an AQI of 20 right now. My home town in India has it at 357. Healthcare is good.”

Another connected, “The only thing that won’t beat India is healthcare. The number of doctors and nurses we have to treat us is massive. Big shout out to them legends.”

A third wrote, “What is the population of the country you are staying in? 3 million? And you are comparing that to our country’s lifestyle and progress? Your comparison isn’t valid, dude! It is easier to have a good focus on development when the crowd is smaller, isn’t it ? How dare you compare the lifestyle, after knowing that these same people invaded and looted for 150 years !”

A fourth added, “Once you leave, just leave. Stop justifying. Frankly, no one here cares. We have enough to do and people to think about, so find your peace, but for heaven’s sake, stop ranting.”