Newsom Weighing Bill That Would Let State Colleges Hire Illegal Immigrant Students

California lawmakers backing the bill say it would open doors for such students. A state legislator and attorney points to the risk of defying federal law.

The California Capitol in Sacramento on April 18, 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

California lawmakers passed a bill Aug. 26 that would prohibit colleges and universities in the state from making hiring decisions based on a students’ immigration status, with the measure now on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk awaiting a signature or veto.

At issue is Assembly Bill 2586, introduced by Assemblymembers David Alvarez (D-San Diego) and Mike Gipson (D-Carson) and better known as the Opportunity for All Act, which instructs the University of California, California State University, and California Community Colleges to treat federal laws prohibiting hiring undocumented individuals as inapplicable beginning on or before Jan. 6, 2025.