Review state measures granting rights, opportunities and protections to undocumented immigrants.
Highlights of state measures granting unauthorized immigrants rights, protections and opportunities.
1996
Prenatal care available for all low-income residents, regardless of legal status.
2001
In-state tuition at public universities approved for undocumented students who attend high school in California for three or more years.
2007
Cities may not require landlords to check whether tenants are in the country legally.
2011
Access to state financial aid granted for undocumented students at public universities and community colleges.
State, cities and counties may not require that private employers use E-Verify, a federal program for checking workers’ immigration status.
2012
Those who qualify for President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) order may apply for a California driver’s license as well as Medi-Cal, the state’s health care coverage for the poor.
2013
All undocumented immigrants may apply for a driver’s license.
Local law enforcement agencies may not detain people for deportation if they are arrested for a minor crime and eligible to be released from custody.
2014
College students who qualify for may apply for state-funded loans.
Undocumented immigrants who pass the State Bar exam may practice law in California.
All 40 state licensing boards — for doctors, dentists, security guards, etc — must consider applicants regardless of immigration status.
2015
Comprehensive health care provided to all low-income children, regardless of immigration status.
Unauthorized immigrants are protected from deportation if they are victims of certain crimes and cooperate with police.
Sources: UC Riverside School of Public Policy, California Department of Health Care Services