While DACA is partially intact at this point, the anti-immigration sentiments being pushed by the President are leading to a chaotic and morally ambiguous climate for all immigrants in our country (Harney, 2018). Primary, secondary, and post-secondary schools are all left with more questions than answers on how to best serve the undocumented student population. Though many universities offer incentives and scholarships to help undocumented students, they are seeing enrollment decline as fear of deportation increases (Harney, 2018).

Issues concerning immigration are especially relevant to school counselors entering the field. In addition to finding resources to assist DACA recipients aspiring to go to college in light of the program’s uncertain future, there are many other points to consider as well. Increasing immigration enforcement means that more Hispanic students in all age groups are at risk of losing family to deportation or even being deported themselves. Constant fear and stress is also being placed on the community as a whole. Counselors need to provide a safe environment for these students to help provide them with the counseling and resources they need should they experience trauma or stress related to immigration concerns. I believe that a counselor’s ethical duty is to protect the students regardless of their legal status, and we must reach out and build trust with the children affected by this political turmoil.