California Supreme Court Reaffirms Undocumented Students’ Access to On-Campus Jobs
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: [email protected]
November 4, 2025 (Los Angeles, CA) — In a historic decision, the California Supreme Court last week affirmed and upheld the California Court of Appeals’ prior ruling that the University of California’s (UC) employment policy that bans the hiring of undocumented student workers discriminates on the basis of immigration status and therefore unlawful under state law. While the case is centered on the UC system, the Court’s decision has broader implications, extending to other state entities and higher education systems governed by similar employment policies.
With nearly 90,000 undocumented college and university students across the state, the high court’s decision carries significant socioeconomic potential. This watershed decision opens doors for undocumented individuals—not only at the University of California, but across the state’s entire higher education and public sectors—to access career-aligned and financially sustaining employment opportunities.
Immigrants Rising looks forward to continuing advocating alongside students, partners, and stakeholders to ensure that all individuals, regardless of immigration status, can access jobs and other paid opportunities.
“For far too long, undocumented students have been discriminated against by the very same institutions of higher education that they contribute to and participate in. The California State Supreme Court decision rights this wrong and makes it clear that the UC cannot continue to exclude individuals from campus employment on the basis of immigration status. We call for the immediate implementation of this ruling so that undocumented students and individuals can maximize their academic pursuits and contribute more fully to their campuses and the state’s economy while gaining the financial stability that comes with employment,” said Dr. Iliana Perez*, Executive Director of Immigrants Rising.
Immigrants Rising is a proud member of the Opportunity for All Coalition and is grateful to the many student activists, legal advisors, and the Center for Immigration Law and Policy who have courageously led and sustained this effort for years, despite significant opposition.
*Iliana Perez, Executive Director of Immigrants Rising, is a plaintiff in the Umaña Muñoz & Perez v. Regents of the University of California case in her individual capacity, and not as an executive of Immigrants Rising.
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Founded in 2006, Immigrants Rising transforms individuals and fuels broader changes. With resources and support, undocumented young people are able to get an education, pursue careers, and build a brighter future for themselves and their community. Our collective power is helping our nation edge closer to fulfilling its ideal as a land of opportunity and access for all.
