Immigrant families across South Carolina are increasingly worried about sending their children to school, fearing that a massive federal immigration enforcement effort might separate their households.

As concerns about the government’s actions preoccupy families, enrollment and attendance rates among South Carolina multilingual students have plummeted in several parts of the state. At least two Lowcountry counties with significant Latino student populations are feeling the effects.

Enrollment of multilingual students has cratered in Beaufort County. Since 2021, the Lowcountry district has had at least 474 new students registered. This year, only 145 signed up so far. Charleston County School District officials reported a spike in absences and low enrollment numbers among Hispanic stud

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