Enrolling Students who are Refugees or Asylum seekers
In response to the increased enrollment of students who are refugees or asylum seekers, the Board of Regents and the New York State Education Department are committed to supporting Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in their obligation to enroll students.
This memo provides important information regarding the obligation of schools and districts to enroll students, including refugees or asylum seekers, pending receipt of their health records and to assist them in obtaining all necessary immunizations within the applicable time frame. Lack of proof regarding immunization is not grounds to deny students the ability to attend school while they work towards obtaining immunizations or proof thereof within the timeframes set forth in law and regulation.