Empty Desks, Lost Futures: The Hidden Cost of Deportations on U.S. Schools

Deportations at Schools

Deportations have long been a political flashpoint—but beyond the headlines, there’s a quieter, devastating ripple effect: our schools are losing students, stability, and futures.

As a former mayor of a border city in Arizona, Director of the Arizona Department of Commerce, and Chief of Staff at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, I’ve seen firsthand how immigration policies affect our communities. Now, as CEO of Intermestic Partners—an international business advisory firm founded in 2011 that specializes in cross-border trade and development—I work with national and international companies navigating these complex realities.

The Human Toll in the Classroom

When a parent or student is deported, the emotional trauma reverberates through entire school communities:

• Fear of family separation

• Increased symptoms of anxiety and PTSD in students

• Declines in focus, academic performance, and classroom collaboration

But the damage isn’t isolated to individuals—it destabilizes the classroom itself.

A single deportation can reduce classroom participation for all students—studies show fear of enforcement causes absenteeism even among U.S. citizens.

Schools at Risk

Public schools rely on student population for funding. Deportations shrink class sizes, causing:

• Budget cuts and staff layoffs

• Wasted material resources

• Loss of cultural diversity that enriches the learning environment

Schools in hard-hit communities witness this hollowing out firsthand—entire classrooms echo with absence.

Bridging the Gap

Solutions exist:

• Immigration policy reform to protect families from destabilization

• Mental health and academic continuity programs for affected students

• International partnerships that support transitions abroad

At Intermestic Partners, we believe collaboration across borders isn’t just good for business—it’s vital for communities. That’s why we work with leaders on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border to find practical solutions that keep classrooms whole and futures intact.

Let’s Act Now

This issue isn’t abstract—it’s personal, economic, and structural. It’s about our children’s future and our country’s promise. Let’s protect that future.

Partner with Intermestic Partners to build resilient, inclusive systems that thrive beyond borders. Together, we can turn impact into opportunity.