Legislature Sends Critical Bill to Support All California Entrepreneurs to Governor Newsom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Beleza Chan at beleza@immigrantsrising.org
On September 9, 2024, the California Legislature sent AB 2543 (Arambula) to support Undocumented and DACA Entrepreneurs to the Governor for his signature. California’s economy thrives on the innovation and hard work of its small business owners and AB 2543 is a critical step in ensuring that all entrepreneurs, including undocumented and DACA entrepreneurs, have an equal opportunity to contribute to California’s prosperity.
Current law prohibits state licensing entities from denying contracting licenses based on an applicant’s citizenship or immigration status, and the Social for Economic Development (SEED) Initiative, inspired by Immigrants Rights entrepreneurship program, supports emerging entrepreneurs regardless of immigration status. However, state law still prevents undocumented business owners from receiving small business certification. This restriction limits their ability to expand their businesses, while also depriving the state of innovation, additional productivity and procurement opportunities. AB 2543 will level the playing field by allowing small business certification for undocumented entrepreneurs, granting them access to crucial benefits such as bidding preferences and prompt payment on state contracts. This ensures they can compete fairly and contribute fully to California’s economy.
“The continuous legal uncertainties surrounding DACA not only threaten the stability of more than half a million young immigrants but also leave out many more DACA-eligible individuals, further compounding the issue. At Immigrants Rising, we witness every day how undocumented young people are not just students seeking higher education; they are aspiring business leaders, innovators, and educators. By enabling them to contribute fully, we can rectify the missed economic opportunities and foster a more inclusive and prosperous society. Their right to remain and thrive in their homes here in the United States is unequivocal. It’s time for decisive action to protect them and uphold the values of opportunity and justice that define our country,” said Iliana Perez, Executive Director of Immigrants Rising. “We urge Governor Newsom to sign AB 2543 to ensure fairness, economic growth, and support for all small business owners, regardless of immigration status, as they continue driving California’s economy forward.”
To sign-on a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom in support of Assembly Bill 2543 (Arambula), click here. If you’d like to submit a letter of support for AB 2543 to Governor Newsom for AB 2543, email Leg.Unit@gov.ca.gov.
