He Could Be Undocumented: Striving to Be Sensitive to Student Documentation Status in a Rural Community

This case study takes place in a Midwestern, politically conservative rural community shortly after a highly contested presidential election. Like other communities, Paisano has experienced demographic change in a relatively short time. Meat processing plants and construction jobs proliferate, attracting migrant workers. One day, secondary school Principal Kate Robertson notices a sign that reads, “Illegal aliens are TERRORISTS. Deport them!” Rumors that immigration enforcement authorities are in the community have started circulating. A parent soon removes her son from school, and he does not return. Principal Robertson seeks information about the family but hesitates to draw attention to their potential lack of legal status