How to Talk to Your Kids About Immigration

There is a lot of misinformation out there. Here’s how to cut through the noise.

Now more than ever, discussions around the topic of immigration are among the most heated, debated, and—more often than not—misinformed. On social media and beyond, even our children are consuming content and engaging in conversations that may reinforce negative perceptions about immigrants and refugees in America.

As a trusted national nonprofit serving children, immigrants, and refugees, Global Refuge works every day to counter harmful narratives with truth. (If you haven’t visited our Combatting Disinformation hub, please do!) And we know the importance of nurturing young minds and instilling a sense of compassion so they can do their part in making our communities a welcoming place for all. We’ve created this guide to help you talk to your kids about immigration, dispel common myths, and help them understand that immigrants and refugees make America a better place for all of us.

How to Talk to Your Kids About Immigration

1. Start by asking what they already know about immigrants and refugees. Emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers, and that every question is a good question. Find out what they’ve learned in school, through social media, and from friends—as well as whether the content of the YouTubers, gamers, and influencers they follow align with your views on topics like immigration.
2. Explain that refugees have the right to be here. Make sure your child knows that everyone has a legal right to seek safety in America if they are in danger.
3. Encourage empathy. Ask your child to consider why someone might need to flee their home. What reasons could cause someone to make such a difficult decision? How do you think that feels? At the same time, teach that empathy does not mean responsibility. While it is important to consider the feelings and safety of others, let your child know that feelings of empathy should not be attached to guilt or responsibility.
4. Remind them that immigrants and refugees are a part of their daily lives. They might be parents at school, teammates on the soccer team, nurses at their doctor’s office, or chefs at their favorite restaurant. This helps counter the “us vs. them” narrative and reminds children that we’re all part of one community.
5. Share your family’s immigration story or the story of someone they know. This personal connection can help children see that immigrants today are looking for the same safety and opportunities that generations of families have sought in America.
6. If you are people of faith, lean on your family’s beliefs to reinforce the importance of kindness. Reference teachings or scripture from your family’s faith or spiritual beliefs to reinforce values like hospitality and compassion. This provides a constant source of guidance and helps them understand why welcoming immigrants is a core part of their belief system.
7. Encourage your kids to take positive action. If a conversation becomes negative, let them know it’s okay to walk away. They should feel comfortable telling a trusted adult if they ever feel unsafe during a discussion or experience. Taking positive action can also mean showing kindness to classmates who look or speak differently, or those who come from different backgrounds.