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Schools a haven for many unaccompanied minors

This photo taken July 1, 2014 shows Milsa Martinez, 20, in Arlington, Va. After 14 years of separation from her parents and a harrowing journey across the US border, Martinez finds solace in the northern Virginia high school where she's perfecting her English and learning civics and math. Tens of thousands of "unaccompanied" children and teens are crossing the border like Martinez did two years ago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) This photo taken July 1, 2014 shows Milsa Martinez, 20, in Arlington, Va. After 14 years of separation from her parents and a harrowing journey across the US border, Martinez finds solace in the northern Virginia high school where she's perfecting her English and learning civics and math. Tens of thousands of "unaccompanied" children and teens are crossing the border like Martinez did two years ago. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

By Associated Press July 15, 2014 1 min read

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) – For tens of thousands of unaccompanied minors crossing the U.S. border primarily from Central America, U.S. schools are one of the few government institutions where they are guaranteed services.

While their cases are processed, most are released to family members or sponsors who are told the children must be enrolled in school.

School districts in metropolitan areas like Miami, Houston and Washington have seen an uptick in the number of these students and anticipate more could enroll this fall.

They often need special resources like English language and mental health services already strained by budget cuts. Many are at risk for dropping out.

Last May, federal officials reminded districts that a 1982 Supreme Court ruling gives all children the right to enroll in school, regardless of immigration status.