WHEREAS, Undocumented students and students from mixed-status families make up a significant and essential part of the California Community College student population, however, in the current landscape, undocumented students face serious legal and financial challenges that can impact their educational success (California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, 2023) [1];
WHEREAS, The American Council on Education (ACE) reports the United States federal government taking several actions that may threaten access to higher education for undocumented students and students from mixed-status families, further compounding educational inequities (American Council on Education, 2025) [2];
WHEREAS, Research by the California Student Aid Commission (2021-2022) has already found that undocumented students are more likely to experience financial hardship during their educational journey compared to their documented peers, with only 14% of the estimated 100,000 undocumented students in California receiving financial aid, and only approximately 30% of those who complete the CA Dream Act Application enrolling in college at all (California Student Aid Commission, 2021-2022) [3]; and
WHEREAS, Past legislative victories, such as California Assembly Bill 540 (2001, Firebaugh) [4] and the California DREAM Act (AB 130, Cedillo, 2011) [5] and (AB 131, Cedillo, 2011) [6], have expanded educational access for undocumented students, but critical gaps remain in regards to legal assistance resources, employment opportunities, and on-campus seminars/events for undocumented students and students from mixed status families; Now, therefore, let it be
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges) advocate for and/or take a support stance on state legislation requiring access to free and/or reduced cost legal support and paralegal services on California Community College campuses for undocumented students and students from mixed-status families;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate for and take a support stance on legislative initiatives designed to increase access to work opportunities and scholarship funding specifically for undocumented students to promote educational equity and financial stability, including, but not limited to bills such as previously ran bill AB 2586 introduced back in 2024 by Assemblymember David Alvarez and Assemblymember Mike Gipson [7];
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges collaborate with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and community-based organizations such as United We Dream, and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, to provide "Know Your Rights" seminars, trainings, and distribute Legal Rights resource cards to empower undocumented students and their families; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges seek funding through legislative advocacy, lobbying for funds from the state budget, and/or advocacy for funding from the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office, to support the initiatives described in this resolution, and to ensure undocumented students and students from mixed-status families receive the essential resources they need for academic and personal success.
Citations:
[1] California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (2023) - Undocumented Students
[2] American Council on Education (2025)
[3] California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) (2021-2022). Renewing the Dream: Improving Financial Aid and College Affordability for California’s Undocumented Students
[4] California Legislative Information - AB 540 (2001).