America’s child care system relies on immigrants. Without them, it could collapse

America’s child care system relies on immigrants. Without them, it could collapse

Maggi’s home in a suburban neighborhood in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a haven for local families. It’s a place where, after just a few weeks in Maggi’s family-run child care program this spring, one preschooler started calling Maggi “mama” and Maggi’s husband “papa.” Children who have graduated from Maggi’s program still beg their parents to take them to her home instead of school. The Hechinger Report speaks with Maggi and others about how the child care system so dependent on immigrants, is being impacted by the anti-immigration policies.

Over the past few months, fewer families are showing up for care: Immigration enforcement has ramped up, and immigration policies have rapidly changed. Both Maggi and