CA legislature passes bill to let undocumented students work at public colleges

(The Center Square) - The California legislature passed a bill allowing undocumented students to work at public college campuses, just one day after the California Senate approved making undocumented immigrants eligible for up to $150,000 in state home "loan" programs. In January, California’s state public healthcare system expanded coverage to all undocumented immigrants, whose MediCal coverage is expected to cost $5 billion this year.

“California is home to 83,000 undocumented students,” said State Sen. Maria Elena Durazo on the Senate floor hearing on August 20. “This bill will provide equal access to campus employment opportunities for these students while they earn their degrees.”

Undocumented students typically do not qualify for student loans, though they can qualify for in-state tuition in California.

The state University of California system, which is funded by both taxpayers and tuition, did not take an official position against the bill, but did submit a letter highlighting major concerns about ramifications for students and the system’s $12 billion in annual federal funding.

“While the University supports the author’s aim to provide equitable student employment opportunities, there are outstanding concerns about AB 2586 and how to implement such a policy,” wrote UC Legislative Director Mario Guerrero. “Unfortunately, AB 2586 does not protect our undocumented students or employees from prosecution, nor does it protect the University from the risk of potentially losing billions in federal dollars.”

These concerns include exposing undocumented students and their families to deportation, employees to prosecution, and fines and the possible loss of federal funding that is conditional on complying with federal immigration law.

Just one day earlier, the California Senate narrowly passed a bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to use the state’s zero-down, zero-interest home “loan” program that provides up to $150,000 towards the purchase of a home in exchange for repayment and 20% of the upside if the home is transferred or sold.

The state's expansion in January of public healthcare coverage to undocumented immigrants is expected to cost $5 billion this year, and includes access to taxpayer-funded gender-reassignment surgery.