This resource from the Foundation for Child Development discusses the demographics and experience of immigrant children in the United States and explains how young children in immigrant families would benefit from quality early education programs to further their integration into American society.

This article from Bridging Refugee Youth and Children’s Services (BRYCS) examines cultural, language, literacy, and other factors affecting the parental involvement of refugees along with practical recommendations to address each area. It concludes with additional resources for school personnel and parents.

KIDS COUNT Data Snapshot: Immigrant Families

This data snapshop from the Annie E. Casey Foundation includes national and state-level data about the 15.7 million children in immigrant families currently residing in the U.S., background on why it is critical to help this growing group of children, and resources for improving the well-being of children living in immigrant families.

This report from the Institute for Higher Education Policy highlights the barriers that legal immigrants face as they attempt to enroll in college and complete a degree. Certain barriers have a greater impact on immigrants with the most obvious being limited English proficiency and difficulties integrating into American society. Offering accessible and affordable programs to help immigrants learn English and become familiar with their new country would open the doors to higher education for many immigrants.

This report from the National Collaboration for Youth provides the context of the immigrant youth experience and practical tips for hiring, developing and retaining staff to work with this population. Youth organizations have both an opportunity and a responsibility to encourage and support the healthy development of the growing numbers of immigrant youth. This publication is based on hands-on experience by national and local youth organizations who do this work effectively.

The Challenges of Change: Learning from the Child Care and Early Education Experiences of Immigrant Families

One in every five children in the U.S. is the child of an immigrant. Although quality child care can benefit these children, they are less likely to participate in all types of non-parental care than their U.S.-born peers. To find out why, the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) conducted site visits across the country, and sought out immigrant leaders, parents, service providers, and policymakers. This report identifies the main barriers for these families and promising local strategies to improve programs so they're more relevant and accessible for children of immigrants. It also includes policy and research recommendations.

Unaccompanied Immigrant and Refugee Minors

This webpage from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) provides important information about the challenges faced by unaccompanied immigrant and refugee minors in the United States, including background statistics and information on federal policy and its implications for states.

Undocumented Immigrant Youth: Guide for Advocates and Service Providers

Undocumented foreign-born children face many of the same issues as their peers; but there are unique challenges to protecting and supporting these young people, including ensuring adequate representation in immigration and justice proceedings. This brief from the National Human Services Assembly provides juvenile justice advocates, immigration advocates, and youth-serving agencies with important background information on the complex issues and risks facing these youth, and best practices for collaborating.

These briefs from the Urban Institute provide snapshots of children involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) who have immigrant parents. The research looks at foster care placements, plans for permanent placements, funding, and substantiated cases of sexual abuse. Although immigrant populations and CPS systems vary by state, the researchers said the findings may be broadly applicable to other states with significant immigrant populations.
Child Sexual Abuse: Removals by Child Generation and Ethnicity
Foster Care Placement Settings and Permanency Planning: Patterns by Child Generation and Ethnicity
Title IV-E Funding: Funded Foster Care Placements by Child Generation and Ethnicity