{"id":352792,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:48","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/immigration-laws-and-resources\/california-state-immigration-laws.html"},"modified":"2023-07-24T13:08:45","modified_gmt":"2023-07-24T18:08:45","slug":"california-state-immigration-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-laws-and-resources\/california-state-immigration-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"California State Immigration Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">California State Immigration Laws<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/eric-harvey-j-d\/\">Eric Harvey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/meagan-neil-esq\/\">Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            July 24, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">California\u2019s immigration laws provide broad protections for undocumented residents, including limits on cooperation between state law enforcement and federal immigration authorities under the state\u2019s \u201csanctuary\u201d policies. The state restricts mandatory E\u2011Verify, expands access to in\u2011state tuition and financial aid for undocumented students, and offers a wider range of public benefits than most states.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Federal law dictates many aspects of U.S. immigration policy. But certain California laws significantly impact immigrants living in the Golden State.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Below, you will find information on immigration checks by law enforcement in California. You&#8217;ll also find information about:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Educational institutions&#8217; policies on migrants<\/li>\n<li>Immigration-related issues in employment<\/li>\n<li>Issues related to E-Verify rules<\/li>\n<li>Restrictions on public benefits based on immigration status<\/li>\n<li>And more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Because California\u2019s rules differ from federal policies and other states\u2019 laws, immigrants and families may benefit from contacting an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">immigration attorney<\/a> to understand available protections and services.<\/p>\n<h2>California &#8216;Sanctuary State&#8217; Law<\/h2>\n<p>Senate Bill 54, California&#8217;s &#8220;Sanctuary State&#8221; law, took effect on Jan. 1, 2018. The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB54\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">California Values Act<\/a> builds on previous &#8220;sanctuary&#8221; policies. It builds on these policies as they relate to helping federal immigration efforts. The Bill requires non-cooperation between state and federal law enforcement authorities. It requires this in cases involving the enforcement of immigration laws.<\/p>\n<h2>Law Enforcement and Immigration in California<\/h2>\n<p>California prohibits state or local law enforcement agencies from the following actions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Detaining a person on a hold request from the federal government unless there is a felony or a warrant<\/li>\n<li>Transferring undocumented immigrants into federal custody unless convicted in the last 15 years of a crime mentioned within the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201320140AB4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">California Trust Act<\/a>. Or they are a registered sex offender.<\/li>\n<li>Asking about a person&#8217;s immigration status<\/li>\n<li>This rule also applies to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB54\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sharing any information<\/a>\u00a0with federal immigration authorities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Employment Checks<\/h2>\n<p>Under federal law, employers must verify prospective employees&#8217; work authorization. Refer to the federal\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-employer\/employment-employer-other\/developments-on-verifying-eligibility.html\">employment eligibility verification rules<\/a>. Also, refer to the Form I-9 requirements.<\/p>\n<p>In 2012, certain laws were passed that made it easier for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/farm-workers-and-h2b-workers-rights.html\">farm workers<\/a> to join labor unions. This law made it easier for such workers to do so, regardless of their immigration status. Advocating for workers&#8217; rights in the state became easier with these laws.<\/p>\n<h3>California E-Verify Law<\/h3>\n<p>Several other states require the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/e-verify-basics.html\">use of E-Verify<\/a>. But recent California legislation restricts the use of the system in the state.<\/p>\n<p>California has prohibited cities and counties from adopting mandatory E-Verify ordinances. But, this only applies to state employers. Private employers may still do so voluntarily.<\/p>\n<h2>Driver&#8217;s License and ID Requirements<\/h2>\n<p>California requires that all applicants for a state ID card show\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/dmv\/?1dmy&amp;urile=wcm:path:\/dmv_content_en\/dmv\/pubs\/brochures\/fast_facts\/ffdl05\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">verification of birth date and proof of legal residence<\/a>. This also applies to driver&#8217;s licenses. Examples of documents include a Social Security card and a visa. These policies limit immigrants living in California illegally from accessing driver&#8217;s licenses.<\/p>\n<h2>Public Benefits Restrictions<\/h2>\n<p>Federal law prohibits illegal immigrants from receiving\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support\/state-public-assistance-welfare-information.html\">public benefits<\/a>. But they can\u00a0<span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\">receive<span style=\"color: initial;font-size: revert\"> emergency<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: revert;color: initial\">\u00a0health care services and other programs<\/span>\u00a0&#8220;necessary to protect life and safety.&#8221; California is unique in the wide range of medical services and public benefits it provides migrants. In the state, you need not be a documented person to receive benefits not otherwise available elsewhere.<\/p>\n<h2>Education and Immigrants in California<\/h2>\n<p>In many states, undocumented persons must pay out-of-state tuition. But in California, undocumented persons can pay in-state tuition.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/higher-education\/undocumented-college-students-the-dream-act-and-other-legal-issu.html\">California&#8217;s DREAM Act<\/a> allows undocumented people to pay in-state tuition. This applies to public universities. Related laws also entitle undocumented students to state-funded financial aid.<\/p>\n<p>In California, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/what-is-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals.html\">Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals<\/a> (DACA) recipients also get benefits otherwise unavailable to migrant youths. They are also eligible for them under the DREAM Act. Immigrant young people need not be as concerned about limited access to higher education in California.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/humanitarian\/consideration-of-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-daca\/frequently-asked-questions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DACA<\/a> protects eligible young adults from deportation after their parents brought them to the United States as children. It also gives these young adults work authorization for limited periods. Those periods of work authorization are renewable.<\/p>\n<h2>Voter ID Rules<\/h2>\n<p>Federal law sets baseline registration and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/my-voting-guide\/federal-voter-id-requirements--the-help-america-vote-act--hava-.html\">ID requirements for elections involving federal offices.<\/a>\u00a0California election law mirrors these rules, requiring voters to provide ID at the polls in some cases.<\/p>\n<p>New voters must provide identifying information on their registration form. Re-registering voters must do the same. This includes the last four digits of your SSN or driver&#8217;s license number.<\/p>\n<p>If a voter has neither information, they will have to establish proof of identity differently. They can do so with a state-issued ID. But there are acceptable forms of identification.<\/p>\n<p>A voter with none of these ID documents <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/how-do-i-protect-my-right-to-vote\/voter-suppression-and-voter-id-laws.html\">can still vote<\/a>. But they can only do so on a provisional basis. They must engage in alternative identity verification within days of voting.<\/p>\n<h2>Housing Ordinances and Immigration<\/h2>\n<p>California does not prohibit the rental or provision of housing to illegal immigrants. Increasing efforts have been made nationwide to bar rentals to undocumented people. Such efforts have faced legal challenges. The results of those legal challenges have varied.<\/p>\n<h2>Facing an Immigration Issue in California? An Attorney Can Help<\/h2>\n<p>Despite California being a &#8220;sanctuary state&#8221; for undocumented immigrants, some of these state laws may conflict with federal policies. If you&#8217;re struggling with an immigration-related matter, contact an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">immigration law attorney<\/a>\u00a0today. Knowing everything about immigrant rights is impossible, but immigration attorneys can help with all types of immigration cases.<\/p>\n<p>With proper legal representation and legal advice, any immigration process can be far easier. Such immigration services are invaluable for noncitizens, lawful permanent residents, or U.S. citizens navigating the naturalization process. It&#8217;s important to know your rights, and an experienced attorney can help.<\/p>\n<p>FindLaw&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">directory of immigration attorneys<\/a> can get you started. Because state immigration laws are relevant, your attorney should be licensed in California. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of qualified legal professionals in your area. Your search results will also show important details about prospective lawyers, including ratings and whether they offer free consultations.<\/p>\n<h3>Free Legal Help May Be Available for Some Immigration Issues<\/h3>\n<p>If you&#8217;re low-income, you may be eligible for legal help from certain nonprofit legal organizations. These organizations provide free or low-cost legal services to migrants and their family members. They do so regardless of national origin.<\/p>\n<p>Review the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.calbar.ca.gov\/Public\/Need-Legal-Help\/Free-Legal-Help\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">California State Bar Association&#8217;s website<\/a> for more information. You can also use FindLaw&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/pro-bono-resource-center\/free-legal-resources\/legal-aid-and-pro-bono-organizations-by-state.html\">directory of legal aid and pro bono organizations by state<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/caimmigrant.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">California Immigrant Policy Center&#8217;s website<\/a> also offers other useful resources. CIPC advocates for more humane immigration policies for undocumented people and refugees. CIPC has offices in Los Angeles, Oakland, and Sacramento. <span style=\"font-size: revert;color: initial\">Consider visiting the <\/span><a style=\"font-size: revert\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ilrc.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Immigrant Legal Resource Center<\/a><span style=\"font-size: revert;color: initial\"> (ILRC) as well. ILRC also offers advocacy services for migrants. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: revert;color: initial\">Service providers at these organizations can make the experience of being a migrant in the United States much easier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" 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19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div 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for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                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>Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some people can get a green card or complete immigration forms without hiring legal help\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex immigration cases (such as having a criminal history or past immigration violations) may need the support of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help you navigate complicated federal and state immigration laws\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>The immigration process can be complicated and slow. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\">\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL29\" title=\"Immigration Law Attorney Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n       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Attorney\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal.html\">\n                        Deportation and Removal\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Immigration Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a 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