EdTrust Absorbs National Newcomer Network to Protect Immigrant Students

The merger brings a coalition of 500 educators, researchers, and advocates across 46 states under the EdTrust umbrella. Alejandra Vázquez Baur, who co-founded the network, will transition to the role of director of immigrant students policy, advocacy, and partnerships. The move comes as schools face increasing pressure from federal and local immigration enforcement, which has been directly linked to lower academic performance and declining graduation rates for Latino students.

EdTrust CEO Denise Forte emphasized that a family’s immigration status should not dictate a student’s access to quality schooling. By integrating the network’s expertise, the organization intends to scale its advocacy for stronger civil rights protections and instructional resources. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between classroom reality and systemic policy reform, ensuring that the needs of newcomer students remain a central focus of the national education agenda.