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Newsom vetoes bill that would allow undocumented students to hold campus jobs

Members of the “Opportunity for All” movement rally in support of allowing undocumented students to hold campus jobs at California’s public universities. California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill Sunday that would have allowed undocumented students to work on-campus jobs at California’s public universities. (Daily Bruin file photo)

By Alexandra Crosnoe

Sept. 22, 2024 4:33 p.m.

This post was updated Sept. 25 at 11:36 p.m.

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill Sunday that would have allowed undocumented students to hold campus jobs at California’s public universities.

In the veto message, Newsom stated that he opposed the bill due to its potential to put state employees in violation of a federal law that bans employers from hiring undocumented immigrants. He added in the veto that a federal judge should assess the bill’s legality before proceeding.

“Given the gravity of the potential consequences of this bill, which include potential criminal and civil liability for state employees, it is critical that the courts address the legality of such a policy and the novel legal theory behind this legislation before proceeding,” Newsom said in the veto.

In January, the UC Board of Regents stated it would not proceed with a plan to hire undocumented students, citing concerns that violating the federal statute could put the UC’s undocumented students at risk for deportation or civil penalties and threaten its grants and federal contracts. Despite initially indicating that they would support helping undocumented students access job opportunities, the regents voted to table consideration of the plan for a year.

The regents’ plan came as a response to the “Opportunity for All” movement, led by students and faculty at UCLA beginning in October 2022. The group supports the novel legal theory that the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act – which makes it illegal for employers to hire undocumented immigrants – does not apply to state entities.

Newsom’s veto marks the second time this month that the governor has rejected a bill seeking to expand the rights of undocumented immigrants. On Sept. 6, he vetoed a bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to request home loans through a state-funded program.

The bill was authored by California District 80 Assemblymember David Alvarez. Alvarez said he was inspired by members of the Undocumented Student-Led Network, an advocacy group for undocumented students, who were outspoken about expanding the right to work.

“The courage and brilliance of students in the Undocumented Student-Led Network continue to inspire me as this bill moves through the legislative process,” Alvarez said in a press release. “As this bill progresses, California has the opportunity to lead in protecting and advancing the rights of immigrants and their families.”

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Alexandra Crosnoe | National news and higher education editor
Crosnoe is the 2024-2025 national news and higher education editor. She was previously a News reporter. Crosnoe is a second-year economics and public affairs student from Dallas.
Crosnoe is the 2024-2025 national news and higher education editor. She was previously a News reporter. Crosnoe is a second-year economics and public affairs student from Dallas.
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