ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — In a suburban neighborhood, Maggi’s home-based child care is a cherished refuge for families. Children quickly form bonds, with some calling her “mama” and her husband “papa.” Even graduates of her program long to return to her nurturing environment.
However, recent immigration enforcement and policy shifts have created fear among immigrant families, affecting Maggi’s attendance. Both Maggi and her clients, many of whom are immigrants, feel insecure.
“There’s a lot of fear going on within the Latino community, and all of these are good people — good, hard-working people,” Maggi, 47, said in Spanish through an interpreter. Maggi transformed her living room into a vibrant child care space, puzzled by the threat of deportation facing these long-time community members. “We’ve been here a long time,” she said. “We’ve been doing honest work.”
Immigrants like Maggi are vital to the U.S. child care system, which includes over 2 million workers. Nationwide, immigrants constitute nearly 20% of this workforce, with higher percentages in cities like New York and Los Angeles. The Hechinger Report withholds Maggi’s last name to protect her and her clients.
The Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies, including immigrant arrest quotas and work permit restrictions, threaten stability in child care. Immigrant providers serving immigrant families face the biggest challenges. As seen with Maggi, providers nationwide experience dwindling numbers, jeopardizing their businesses.
Karla Coleman-Castillo, senior policy analyst at the National Women’s Law Center, stressed the impact of anti-immigrant policies on caregiving. Home-based programs, often catering to immigrant families, feel the greatest strain. “Anything that threatens the stability of families’ ability and comfort accessing early childhood education — and educators’ comfort entering or remaining in the workforce — is going to impact an already precarious sector.”
Maggi’s enrollment quickly dropped after policy changes, from 15 daily children to seven. Families have either returned to Mexico or avoided routes that could lead to immigration scrutiny. Enrollment fell to only two full-time children by May, alongside a few after-school attendees, slashing her income from $9,000-$10,000 in late 2024 to around $2,000 monthly. Despite being told her rates are low, Maggi sympathizes, recalling her own struggles as a single mother.
Like many immigrants, Maggi pursued a different career in her home country. Originally a law graduate working in Mexico’s prosecutor’s office, she sought a safer life due to rising violence. After moving to the U.S. in 2011, she transitioned into caregiving, which allowed her more time with family. She became a licensed child care provider two years ago, navigating an intensive licensing process.
Maggi’s child care is one of few offering 24/7 services in Albuquerque, essential for parents like teachers and 911 operators. Her space is welcoming, with toys and learning materials. Maggi encourages children to be respectful and responsible. “I want them to have values,” she said.
Immigration policy changes have yet to be fully quantified, but past data indicates potential child care disruptions. Following a 2008 policy enabling immigration status checks, both child care enrollment and worker supply fell. Experts highlight immigrants’ educational skills and their importance in maintaining child care quality.
Home-based programs like Maggi’s, vital for immigrant children, face significant risk. Financial challenges have already shrunk the number of such programs by 25 percent in the past decade.
New Mexico’s child care landscape, initially optimistic with policy changes in 2022, is threatened by immigration policies. Higher state payments for enrolled children help, but providers fear losing centers crucial for working families. Maggi’s program, open 24/7, earns extra state funds for evening and weekend care and fosters children.
Immigration crackdowns stress educators and children, but they strive to focus on their work. Maggi remains hopeful, despite the challenges, focusing on the well-being of the children, especially those at risk of detention. “Children are starting to live with that,” she said, acknowledging the fear among immigrant families.
Maggi continues to look forward, improving her skills and aiming to expand her business in early childhood education. She cherishes providing a joyful childhood experience, echoing her memories from Mexico. “Once you grow up, there’s no going back.”
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