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What does immigration law actually look like in practice? How do constitutional rights apply to people seeking to live in the United States? And how can young people thoughtfully navigate what they see in the news?

Those were just a few of the questions our middle schoolers explored during a recent panel discussion with two immigration attorneys and a local elected official. The conversation was moderated by middle school humanities teacher Sarah Walsh and thoughtfully connected to students’ coursework across grades.

Panelists included immigration attorneys Lakshmi Lakshmanan — who is also a current NSCD parent — and Sarah Hanlon, along with Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita, whose district includes Evanston, Skokie, Lincolnwood and the far North Side of Chicago. Together, they helped students unpack complex legal processes, clarify constitutional protections and consider the human stories behind the headlines.

The panel built directly on the middle school curriculum. Sixth graders have been reading “When Stars Are Scattered,” which explores the refugee experience, and “Same Sun Here,” which touches on immigration and naturalization. Seventh graders are studying the Constitution as the foundation of U.S. law, while eighth graders examine asylum, naturalization and the legacy of discrimination faced by immigrant communities in Chicago, including Eastern European Jewish migrants, Southern European Catholics and Irish immigrants.

Sarah Walsh noted that students had been asking “really great, thoughtful questions” in class — questions that deserved expert insight. The goal was not only to understand immigration policy, but to develop a framework for thinking critically about current events.

Lakshmi and Sarah Hanlon explained that immigration is often more complex than people realize. There are many different visa categories — for students, workers, family members, artists and others — each with specific eligibility requirements. For many, the path to citizenship involves multiple steps: entering on a visa, obtaining permanent residency (a green card) and, after meeting additional criteria, applying for naturalization. 

Behind each legal step, the panelists reminded students, is a personal story. “It’s really important to listen,” Lakshmi said. “Everyone’s story is different.”

Students were also curious about why people choose to navigate such a complicated system in the first place.

“So many other places in the world don't have the opportunities of growth and education and economic advancement that our country provides,” Lakshmi explained, talking about the many reasons people enter the United States. “Most people are driven by a motivation to help themselves and their families — not to do harm. And it's a pretty arduous pathway. It's not easy.”  

Students asked about birthright citizenship and learned that the 14th Amendment guarantees U.S. citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ status. They also explored how rights such as due process apply in immigration proceedings and how deportation can occur for reasons ranging from criminal activity to overstaying a visa.

A key takeaway that the attorneys emphasized: Immigration law is federal law, shaped not only by statutes passed by Congress but also by how each presidential administration enforces those laws. While the core law may not change dramatically, enforcement priorities and regulations can shift significantly.

Josina offered insight into how local government interfaces with federal immigration policy. While immigration enforcement is handled at the federal level, counties and municipalities decide how they will serve and protect residents within their jurisdiction. In Cook County, she explained, the priority is ensuring that all residents — regardless of immigration status — have access to essential services such as public education and healthcare. She also discussed recent changes in enforcement practices and why agencies like ICE have become a focus of public attention.

Throughout the conversation, students were encouraged to understand both the legal structures and the human impact of policy decisions.

When asked how to navigate immigration coverage, panelists urged students to look beyond headlines, verify sources and read multiple perspectives before forming conclusions. Developing media literacy, they emphasized, is essential not just for understanding immigration but for engaging thoughtfully with any issue.

The discussion closed with a reflection on NSCD’s motto, “Live and Serve.” Panelists encouraged students to practice kindness, remain open-minded and remember that immigration is personal for many in our community — including classmates, neighbors and friends. Even small gestures of support and empathy, Josina shared, can make a meaningful difference.

“You may know people who are undocumented and not even realize it,” Josina said. “They’re part of our community — your friends, your neighbors, people you see every day. So when we talk about immigration, we should do so with care. For some, this isn’t abstract — it’s personal. And even small acts of kindness and support truly matter.”