Because of his immigration status, Jeffrey Umaña Muñoz, who recently graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and is preparing to begin his master’s degree at California State University (Cal State LA), struggles daily to obtain educational opportunities that will help him advance in his career.
However, he is encouraged by AB 2586, the Opportunity for All Act, a bill that seeks to provide undocumented students with equal access to job opportunities at California public colleges and universities, advancing in the State Capitol .
“It gives me hope to know that California senators will continue to lead by example and I want to ensure that as a Cal State LA student, I will have the same opportunities as my peers,” he said.
Measure AB 2586 was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and will be voted on July 3 in the Senate Education Committee, before going to the full Senate.
This innovative bill was introduced by San Diego Democratic Assemblyman David Alvarez to give equal access to employment opportunities to all students, regardless of their immigration status, at the University of California (UC), California State University. California (CSU) and community college (CCC) campuses.
“As a son of immigrants who was raised in Barrio Logan, I understand the true meaning of standing up for what is right for the community,” the assemblyman said.
“The courage and brilliance of the students of the Undocumented Student-Led Network (USN) continues to inspire me as this bill moves through the legislative process,” he said.
“California has the opportunity to lead the protection and advancement of the rights of immigrants and their families,” he added.
In California, there are approximately 44,326 undocumented college students who are not eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and 14,000 undocumented students graduate from high school each year.
These students cannot apply for jobs and other work opportunities because of their status.
These types of university jobs include positions as a researcher for master’s students and teaching assistants, paid internships, student leadership in campus organizations, and others.
Fatima Zeferino, member of the Undocumented Student-Led Networkand a recent graduate of California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), urged lawmakers to strongly support the measure.
“We are investing in our education but like most undocumented immigrants we are not receiving anything in return. “77% of students in California public institutions are undocumented and represent the largest number of students, so state leaders must act to ensure that we can all achieve their educational and professional aspirations.”
She stated that currently, thousands of students like her cannot apply for jobs, internships and other paid opportunities offered by campuses, just because of their status.
“Not having access to these opportunities inhibits our ability to continue our education; and despite our hard work and contributions, we face significant barriers that prevent us from accessing the same opportunities.”
He revealed that he applied for a paid research position and requested a meeting with the program coordinator, but was unable to move forward because it was not open to undocumented students.
“Although I am constantly congratulated on my achievements, experiences, and work ethic, I am discouraged by being denied opportunities due to my immigration status.”
And he adds that universities like CSU emphasize their commitment to equal opportunities for all students, but this must apply to all students regardless of their immigration status.
“By not being able to access employment on campus, our ability to pay for tuition, school supplies, housing and other needs is impacted, and we are also unable to advance in our careers.”
He stressed that state leaders must recognize that the DACA program is no longer a viable option for thousands of undocumented students in California who do not have protections or authorization to work.
California’s public colleges and universities today have the legal authority to authorize the hiring of all their undocumented students and graduates, he said.
Legal experts at the Center for Immigration Law and Policy at UCLA School of Law have identified that the federal ban on hiring undocumented people does not include state entities such as the University of California, California State University, and California community colleges, an argument that is supported by dozens of the country’s leading jurists.
Stephany Martinez Tiffer, attorney for the Center for Immigration Law and Policy (CILP) at the UCLA School of Law, said the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which prohibits the hiring of undocumented people, does not apply to state governments and entities such as California universities and community colleges. .
“If Congress seeks to legislate in an area of traditional state control, it must explicitly mention the states if it wants to bind them.”
He stated that these students embody the spirit of what California aspires to be, as they are actively involved in their campus and local communities, and are eager to contribute their skills and knowledge.
“Undocumented students in California have already had to study for too long in a system that denies them the essential employment and educational opportunities available to their peers. “They deserve nothing less than full equality.”
The lawyer asked legislators to continue California’s legacy of leadership in protecting and promoting the rights and opportunities of all who call this state home.