On July 16, 2025, The Detroit Free Press reported that Michigan is among 24 states and D.C. suing the Trump administration for withholding roughly $6.8 billion in federal education grants—funds Congress had approved as of July 1. The federal funding freeze affects six significant programs, including support for migrant students, English learners, teacher training, after-school/summer programs, and adult literacy/job-readiness.
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How This Impacts Migrant/Multilingual Services
Angie Gutierrez, as Van Buren ISD’s Migrant/Multilingual Department Administrator, understands the direct consequences:
Program Suspensions & Delays
With awards paused, key services like summer migrant programs that support our families who work in agriculture, literacy instruction, STEM Camps, math instruction, and language support could be delayed or canceled. That ripple effect hits migrant families the hardest, especially those who rely on intensive summer and after-school programming.
Staffing Pressures
Statewide, over
270 personnel
serving
~100,000
English learners are at risk . Programs across the state may face cutbacks or have to reduce service hours, potentially leaving many students without support when they most need it.
Family Stability & Engagement
These programs aren’t just educational—they offer vital community support, nutrition education, counseling, and a safe environment for families with shifting work schedules. Interruptions can erode trust and leave families scrambling for childcare or tutoring alternatives.
Administrative Uncertainty
These changes make it difficult to finalize staffing, schedules, and curriculum without confirmed funding. This ambiguity affects recruitment, professional development, and long-term planning for multilingual learning pathways.
Stories from the Field
Summer & After‑School Cutbacks.
The Free Press notes that such programs help bridge learning gaps for migrant children. Cuts could mean no Summer STEM camps or literacy catch-up sessions);
Adult Learner Impact.
Programs like GED prep and English language classes—for which the ISD also provides outreach—face uncertainty, impacting adult learners trying to improve employment opportunities.
What It Means for Our Families & Community
Rising Anxiety & Strain:
Parents could face unexpected childcare costs or the need to shift work schedules, potentially increasing financial strain.
Learning Gaps Widen:
Especially for newly arrived students, even short interruptions can significantly set back language acquisition.
Trust in Our District:
Angie’s team has built strong relationships across migrant and multilingual communities.
The Larger Fight
Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined this legal challenge, citing violations of multiple federal laws and the U.S. Constitution regarding improper withholding of these funds. Michigan could lose around $171 million if the freeze stands—funds critical to sustaining programs across the state.
Looking Ahead
Legal Resolution:
The lawsuit could result in court-mandated release of the funds—or prolonged delays depending on how litigation unfolds.
Back‑Up Strategies:
We’re exploring grant alternatives, community partnerships, and flexible scheduling to sustain core services—so migrant families still have academic and social support.
Strengthening Advocacy:
Angie is working with other districts to present a cohesive Michigan-wide message to both federal and state officials.
Bottom Line
While the federal freeze threatens vital services for migrant and multilingual students, Angie Gutierrez and her department are proactively defending continuity—advocating loudly, planning creatively, and communicating openly. Our focus remains on ensuring migrant families at Van Buren ISD continue to receive equitable access to high-quality education, even in uncertain times.
Let’s stay united, stay informed, and stay grounded in our commitment to equity and excellence for all families.