Free English as a Second Language (ESL) programs across California community colleges are facing a growing crisis as immigration enforcement actions under the second Trump administration drive away undocumented immigrant students. Many are now avoiding in-person attendance, while some have stopped participating in ESL education altogether.
On May 20, nonprofit media outlet CalMatters reported that rising fears of deportation and visa cancellations—fueled by renewed federal immigration crackdowns—are pushing ESL enrollment downward. In response, state-run immigrant support initiatives, including English education and integration programs, are now at risk.
Enrollment Drops Sharply as Students Avoid In-Person Classes
Community colleges in areas including Los Angeles provide free, non-credit ESL programs that are open to anyone regardless of immigration status. More than 290,000 students across the state are currently enrolled.
However, the return of aggressive federal enforcement policies has caused many students to retreat. After Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced it would resume enforcement at educational institutions, undocumented immigrants grew increasingly fearful. One community college in the San Fernando Valley reported a 15% drop in ESL enrollment this semester. At San Marcos Community College, administrators shifted ESL classes online due to students’ widespread reluctance to attend in person.
Colleges Say They Do Not Cooperate With ICE, But Fears Remain
Despite repeated assurances from college officials that they do not cooperate with federal immigration authorities, many students remain unwilling to risk attending ESL classes. Some have avoided all ESL coursework entirely due to fear of enforcement actions.
In a statement to CalMatters, the Chancellor’s Office of the California Community Colleges system said that the federal government’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants and threats to cancel student visas are undermining immigrant integration and could even harm the broader economy. The office emphasized that ESL programs are not just language classes—they are a vital investment in California’s community infrastructure and economic participation. Officials also pointed out that just as ESL registration had begun to recover after the pandemic, federal policies are now reversing that progress.
According to the Equity Research Institute at the University of Southern California (USC), an estimated 100,000 undocumented students are currently enrolled in higher education across California.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
