California State Legislature Passes Bill That Would Ensure Equal Access to Opportunities on CA College Campuses

Students and advocates are calling on Governor Newsom to sign AB 713 into law

SACRAMENTO, CA — The Immigrant Justice in Action Coalition and Opportunity for All Coalition celebrate the California State Legislature’s historic passage of Assembly Bill 713: The Opportunity for All Act on August 28, 2026. The transformative piece of legislation would grant students equal access to campus job opportunities, regardless of immigration status at the University of California, California State University, and California Community Colleges. 

The Legislature’s passage of AB 713 marks a historic milestone; but the fight is far from over. The Opportunity for All Coalition now calls on Governor Gavin Newsom to swiftly sign AB 713 into law and make California the first state in the nation to guarantee undocumented students equal access to campus employment at its public colleges and universities.

Authored by Assemblymember José Luis Solache (D-Lynwood) and co-authored by Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), AB 713 represents a historic step toward ensuring that California lives up to its longheld promise of equal access and opportunity for all students. 

For more than four years, undocumented students, educators, labor unions, immigrant rights organizations, legal scholars, and allies across California have organized through the Opportunity for All campaign to end the exclusion of undocumented students from campus employment. AB 713 is the culmination of years of student-led organizing and a growing statewide movement demanding that undocumented students be afforded the same opportunities to learn, work, and contribute on the campuses they call home.

Assemblymember José Luis Solache, who represents the 62nd Assembly District, celebrated the Legislature’s vote with the following statement: 

“Until true system reform comes, California must continue to be the leaders we have always been in defending our undocumented student population with humanity and compassion, and passing legislation like AB 713. Our students are simply asking for equal opportunity to work and contribute to our communities and the campus they call home. I want to recognize the brave students, allies, and partners who have dedicated years building the Opportunity for All coalition. The Legislature’s passage brings us closer to rectifying student employment inequity.

Senator Sabrina Cervantes, who represents the 31st Senate District, celebrated the measure’s passage with the following statement: 

“Students at our institutions of higher learning should have equitable access to campus employment, regardless of their immigration status. Assembly Bill 713 has been a long time coming, and as a co-author of the bill, I want to thank Assemblymember Solache for his persistence in finally getting it to the Governor’s desk and fighting for our undocumented students.”

The Immigrant Justice in Action Coalition, lead organization of the Opportunity for All Coalition, issued the following statement: 

“With the passage of the Opportunity for All Act in the State Legislature, California sends a clear message that the exclusion of immigrant California students from on campus employment opportunities needs to be rectified. The State Court of Appeals has also asserted that denying campus employment for some immigrant students is discriminatory and goes against state law. Continuing to deny opportunities to students based on preconceived assumptions of risk is unjust when we have a strong legal argument on our side… 

Ju Hong, Director of the UCLA Dream Resource Center, a founding organization of the Opportunity for All Coalition, provided the following remarks:

“For the second time, immigrant youth have made history by advancing Opportunity for All through the California Legislature. This victory is yet another testament to years of constant organizing and collective action by immigrant youth who have refused to accept being excluded from opportunities on their own campuses. We have the opportunity to make California the first state in the nation to ensure everyone has equal access to campus employment regardless of immigration status.”

Dr. Iliana Perez, Executive Director of Immigrants Rising, a Member Organization of the Opportunity for All Coalition said the following: 

"We are grateful to Assemblymember Solache and the Legislature for passing AB 713 and recognizing that access to higher education for undocumented students must be matched by access to the work opportunities that allow them to support themselves, build their careers, and contribute their talents to our state. Governor Newsom has a strong record of expanding opportunity for immigrant communities, including access to higher education for undocumented students, and we urge him to continue that legacy by signing AB 713 into law. When pathways to federal work authorization for undocumented students remain closed, California has the opportunity to lead by ensuring the students we educate can fully participate in our workforce and contribute to the strength of our state.”

Alma Dorado, Campaign Director of the Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective, a Member Organization of the Opportunity for All Coalition celebrated with the following remarks: 

“We are extremely proud of the immigrant youth who have organized tirelessly to get AB 713 to this point. It is because of the never ending fearlessness, dedication and insight of immigrant youth that we have made historical advances for immigrant students in California. We commend the state legislature for standing with immigrant youth and voting in favor of AB 713. Governor Newsom now has the opportunity to truly demonstrate that he is indeed an ally for the immigrant community and demonstrate that his administration is ready to work with our immigrant youth in ensuring access to on campus employment becomes a reality for the brilliant immigrant students attending UCs, CSUs and Community Colleges.”

Candice Phan, President of the University of California Student Association, a Member Organization of the Opportunity for All Coalition said the following: 

"UCSA is proud to stand alongside immigrant and undocumented students who have been at the forefront of this movement to expand opportunity for all. All students deserve access to on-campus employment and to be able to focus on their studies and advance their careers without having to worry about whether they can meet their basic needs or not. During a time of heightened attacks on our immigrant communities, Governor Newsom must make the right decision in demonstrating California's commitment to equality and dignity by signing AB 713 into law once and for all."

Carlos Alarcon, Policy Manager with the California Immigrant Policy Center, a Member Organization of the Opportunity for All Coalition said the following: 

"For two years in a row the Legislature has listened to the voices of undocumented students and sent Opportunity for All legislation to the Governor's desk. The lack of comprehensive federal immigration reform, cost of living crisis, and inability to work on campus is making higher education increasingly unobtainable for each new class of undocumented students. AB 713 will ensure all students have access to on-campus student employment opportunities, regardless of immigration status. By signing this bill, Governor Newsom has an opportunity to cement his legacy as a champion for immigrant students across the state and the country." 

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