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School Districts Brace For Influx Of Immigrant Children

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The number of unaccompanied children crossing into the United States dropped dramatically last month — about 5,500 in July, which is less than half the number apprehended at the border in May and June, according to new figures released by the Department of Homeland Security.

Despite the declining numbers, the impact of the 30,000 children who have come into the country since January is expected to be huge this fall, when kids head back to school. Federal law mandates that every child in the United States receive a public education, regardless of immigration status.

Many districts, including Prince George's County in Maryland, are preparing for the influx — though no one can say exactly how many children each district will receive.

Here & Now's Robin Young checks in with Patricia Chiancone from the International Student Counseling Office at Prince George's County Public Schools, which is expected to receive upwards of 100 new migrant kids.

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This segment aired on August 8, 2014.

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