School Choice and Immigration

 Dear Colleagues,

I pray this email finds you well. I would like to call your attention to resources associated with recent developments on school choice and immigration.

School Choice: There have been three significant developments on the school choice front recently that you and your communities should be aware of, like the proposed ECCA which would provide federal tax credits that could be applied to private school tuition. This is a significant piece of legislation – its passage would mark an incredible advancement in funding parent school choice. Also, the SCOTUS will be considering a case this spring to determine the constitutionality of religious charter schools. While this is an extraordinary development, it should be noted that states set charter school policy, not the federal government. California would likely move to restrict charter school petitioning and funding even further should religious schools become constitutionally eligible for chartering. Moreover, religious schools would be subject to all state requirements like public charter schools.

• Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA): there is strong optimism that this legislation will pass by Memorial Day 2025. If passed, the timeline for dioceses and SGOs to begin raising funds would be:
  • Fundraising Period: Memorial Day 2025 – January 1, 2026 (when the legislation would take effect).
  • Family Applications: Families could apply for funds starting in the 2026–2027 school year.
  • In the coming months, there will be numerous opportunities to discuss the specifics of this legislation and provide support and guidance for your diocese. Please share the action alert below in your newsletters and with your schools and families. Families can also sign up for action alerts directly at https://cacatholic.org/alerts/.
• President’s Executive Order:
  • Order language: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/expanding-educational-freedom-and-opportunity-for-families/
  • Fact sheet: https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/01/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-expands-educational-opportunities-for-american-families/
  • USCCB letter of support and newsletter: See attached
• U.S. Supreme Court – Religious charter school case:
  • Read article here: https://www.scotusblog.com/2025/01/supreme-court-will-weigh-in-on-effort-to-found-nations-first-religious-charter-school/
  • CAPSO newsletter: See attached.

• Updated Immigration Resources Page: The ADLA immigration resources page has been refreshed with the most up-to-date information. We will continue to update it as policies evolve and our efforts grow: Immigration Resources Website
• FAQ: previously shared; see attached.
• Power of Attorney - temporary guardianship: Attached is a template form that can be used by parents/legal guardians who wish to permit temporary guardianship to another person in the event they are unable to act on their child’s behalf. This is most useful for parents/guardians whose status in the U.S. may be at-risk. We have requested this to be produced in Spanish as well.

We will continue to keep you posted as developments surface on these important issues. Thank you.

In Mission,

Paul

Paul M. Escala

Senior Director and Superintendent of Schools

Archdiocese of Los Angeles

3424 Wilshire Blvd., 2^nd Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90010

p (213) 637-7234 │ f (213) 637-6140

www.lacatholicschools.org 

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