Statement

NEA President Responds to
Secretary Chertoff's Decision
to Detain Hurricane Katrina Victims

Actions by U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Set Dangerous Precedent

Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association (NEA), responds to reports that U.S. Department of Homeland Security authorities have detained immigrant evacuees in West Virginia and Texas:

"We are deeply concerned about reports that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is detaining Hurricane Katrina evacuees who were urged to obtain assistance from the federal government.

"Just as we believe teachers and education support professionals should not police which students have undocumented parents, federal emergency officials also should not have to play the role of immigration officer. As the first priority of teachers is to educate, federal emergency officials' first priority should be to provide relief and assistance-not play the role of immigration officer.

"At a time when the federal government was urging people to seek help in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the actions of DHS erode the White House's relief efforts. At this time, families' concern should be to rebuild and care for their children-not immigration.

"NEA urges Secretary Michael Chertoff to suspend deportation proceedings against undocumented immigrants who approach the government for help in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina."

Sept. 27, 2005

For More Information Contact:

Staci Maiers, NEA Public Relations   (202) 822-7150

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.