Head Start Ruling Keeps Doors Open for Children

September 15, 2025 – A federal judge has issued a nationwide injunction blocking a Trump administration policy that sought to bar children living in the U.S. illegally from enrolling in Head Start, the federally funded early childhood education program. The directive, announced earlier this year, would have required families to provide proof of lawful immigration status for their children to qualify.

Head Start associations in multiple states quickly challenged the rule, arguing that it violated federal law, exceeded the administration’s authority, and would irreparably harm vulnerable children and families. They emphasized that Head Start was created in 1965 to serve children from low-income households, regardless of immigration status, and that stripping eligibility would undermine its mission of preparing young learners for school success.

In his ruling, the judge sided with the plaintiffs, stating that the policy placed an unlawful burden on school districts and community organizations administering the program. He also noted that excluding children based on immigration status could cause long-term damage, not only to the families directly affected but also to local communities.

Immigrant advocates and education leaders praised the decision, saying it preserves access to critical early education, nutrition, and health services for thousands of children nationwide. The Biden administration, which opposed the Trump-era directive, welcomed the ruling as a victory for equity in education.

For now, the ruling ensures that Head Start remains open to all eligible children, regardless of immigration status, while legal challenges continue to play out in court.