Bill Allowing Illegal Immigrants’ Businesses to Receive State Aid Passes California Assembly

The lawmaker behind the measure says denying benefits to illegal immigrants hurts the state’s business environment. Opponents say funds should go to citizens.

“I think it makes a lot of sense," Assemblyman Carlos Villapudua, chair of the jobs and economy committee, said of AB 2543. Above, Mr. Villapudua speaks during the bill’s hearing on April 16, 2024. Travis Gillmore/The Epoch Times

The California Assembly voted 61–10 on May 21 to pass a measure that would allow businesses owned by illegal immigrants to receive business development assistance from the state.

Assembly Bill 2543, authored by Assemblyman Dr. Joaquin Arambula, would allow all owners to have their businesses certified by the state, which would then provide eligibility for such assistance and other services, regardless of immigration status.