Immigrants Rising Applauds California Court of Appeals’ Decision Regarding Undocumented Students’ Access To On-Campus Jobs
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: [email protected]
August 12, 2025 (Los Angeles, CA) — Ten months after a lawsuit was filed against the University of California (UC), on August 5, 2025, a California Court of Appeals ruled that the UC’s policy of barring undocumented immigrants from accessing on-campus jobs and paid research positions is discriminatory and violates state law.
As a proud member of the student-led Opportunity for All Campaign and co-sponsor of AB 713 (Solache), Immigrants Rising applauds the efforts of student advocates, the legal team, and community-based organizations that have been spearheading this effort. This decision marks a critical moment in the campaign, getting us one step closer to achieving our vision where all people can pursue an education and career with confidence and without constraint.
“At Immigrants Rising, we work to create pathways for undocumented people to pursue education, entrepreneurship, and careers—regardless of immigration status. Every day, we see the incredible drive and potential of undocumented students who are ready to contribute but are held back by outdated and unjust policies. Undocumented students belong in our institutions, in our workforce, and in our future. It’s time to open the doors to employment so they can thrive—not just survive,” said Dr. Iliana Perez*, Executive Director of Immigrants Rising.
California is home to approximately 87,000 undocumented students enrolled across our colleges and universities. Each year, thousands of undocumented students are unjustly denied access to valuable career-building experiences solely based on their status. To deprive students of a fair and equal opportunity to on-campus jobs and paid opportunities is to stymie California’s success and investment in education.
Now is the time for California to lead in empowering immigrant students to pursue and participate in all opportunities that fairly compensate them for their work. This situates them better to fully participate in our economy, fill critical labor shortages, and realize their potential. Immigrants Rising stands ready to work with public institutions and state leaders to make on-campus paid opportunities readily available to students of all backgrounds.
*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.
