ITUP Mini Blog: Progress or Setbacks? Weighing Policies That Impact Undocumented Communities
By: Shirley Lam, MPH
California’s latest immigration-related bills present bold strides forward and troubling setbacks. While some proposals aim to protect and support the rights of undocumented individuals and immigrant communities from federal threats, others roll back key coverage gains and cut state funding for vital services. As new immigration bills emerge, we’re breaking down both sides of the debate and decoding the potential impact on California’s immigrant population. We also note which bills ITUP believes would be detrimental to California’s coverage gains.
Note: This blog features selected legislation this session showcasing key proposals that either protect or threaten California’s undocumented and immigrant population. Have questions about a bill not listed? Email us at info@itup.org.
Notable Highlights:
- ITUP is monitoring immigration-related bills that could impact California’s health coverage expansion. Legislative bills including AB 18 and AB 1012 threaten to roll back key coverage gains by eliminating state-funded health care for undocumented residents.
- California lawmakers are considering legislation that both supports and challenges immigrant rights. For example, SB 1 provides crucial funding for immigration services, while AB 18 seeks to cut vital health and social services.
Budget Act of 2024:
The newest statutes of 2025 allocate funding to protect the State of California. This support is intended to protect taxpayers and residents from federal actions that are unconstitutional and unlawful. SB 1 amends the 2024 Budget Act for three existing state programs that service immigrant communities. Dig into the details below!
$25 million (one-time General Fund) allocated to immigration services. More specifically:
- $10 million to the Legal Services Trust Fund to provide legal aid to vulnerable persons at risk of detention, deportation, eviction, wage theft, intimate partner violence, and more, as a result of potential or actual federal action.
- $10 million to the Department of Social Services (CDSS) Immigration Services Funding program.
- $5 million to the Judicial Council to be distributed through the California Access to Justice Commission to nonprofit providers of legal services.
- Up to 2.5% of these funds can be used for administrative expenses and require reporting to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.
Bills That Undermine Coverage and Services
California Secure Borders Act of 2025: AB 18 (DeMaio)
AB 18 could take California a step backward when it comes to supporting undocumented communities. This bill aims to address illegal immigration by repealing laws that currently allow state funds to be used for essential services such as welfare, health care, and housing for undocumented immigrants. The bill also mandates public reports on illegal immigration’s impact on crime rates and local services. Additionally, AB 18 offers training for local law enforcement to assist with federal border security efforts and sets guidelines for deploying the State Guard to establish border security.
ITUP Hot Take: At its core, AB 18 is all about reducing the state’s support for undocumented immigrants and enhances efforts to secure the border. This would be detrimental to California’s health coverage gains. Repealing state-funded health care for undocumented immigrants would lead to higher uninsured rates and reduced access to essential health services. Ultimately, this will widen existing health disparities and undermine the state’s progress toward equitable health coverage.
Medi-Cal Immigration Status: AB 1012 (Essayli)
AB 1012 promises the creation of the Serving Our Seniors Fund, making individuals without legal immigrant status ineligible for Medi-Cal benefits. It transfers funds previously used for undocumented residents’ Medi-Cal Coverage into this new fund. AB 1012 appropriates its funding cover Medicare Part B premiums for eligible individuals and would be available on an ongoing basis, without restrictions tied to specific fiscal years.
ITUP Hot Take: AB 1012 is a step in the wrong direction. By eliminating Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented individuals, this bill could lead to a spike in the uninsured rate and put added pressure on already strained emergency health systems. It would also roll back the strides California has made to build a more equitable and inclusive health care system for everyone who calls this state home.
Bottom Line: California’s 2025 legislative session is a battleground for immigrant rights and health equity. While some bills continue to build an inclusive safety net, others threaten to unravel years of progress. We’ll be watching. Will you?
Bills That Support and Protect Immigrant and Undocumented Communities
Health Facilities Immigration and Patient Privacy: AB 894 (Carrillo)
Looking for more protection in health care? AB 894 states the Legislature’s intent to create laws dedicated to protecting the privacy of undocumented Californians in hospitals. For a similar proposal, check out SB 81 (Arreguin) in ITUP’s 2025-26 Introduced Bills Blog which prohibits health care facilities from working with immigration authorities or sharing patient information.
Immigration Enforcement School Sites Prohibitions on Access, Sharing Information and Law Enforcement Collaboration: SB 48 (Gonzalez)
SB 48 prohibits Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agents from entering school districts, county offices of education, or charter schools and their staff to allow officers or other federal immigration officials to enter a school campus without a court-issued warrant. This bill requires school staff to witness and document denials of entry from immigration officials and restricts schools from sharing educational records or personal information of students, family, or faculty information with ICE or other federal immigration authorities without a court warrant or written consent of a student’s parent or guardian for. In addition, SB 48 prohibits local law enforcement from sharing any information about students, families, or faculty with immigration officials in school zones. While this bill may lead to extra costs, SB 48 creates additional responsibilities for local law enforcement and schools and would take effect immediately as an urgent law.
Immigration Enforcement Prohibitions on Access, Sharing Information and Law Enforcement Collaboration: AB 421 (Solache) AB 421 strengthens the California’s Value Act and limits local law enforcement technical support for immigration enforcement. Specifically, AB 421 prohibits California law enforcement agencies from collaborating with immigration authorities or sharing any information about immigration enforcement actions within one mile of institutional facilities including childcare centers, daycare facilities, religious institutions, or medical offices.
School sites and Day Care Centers Entry Requirements Immigration Enforcement: AB 49 (Muratsuchi) AB 49 sets clear boundaries when it comes to immigration enforcement in educational spaces. This bill prohibits school officials and staff from allowing ICE officers or employees to enter a school site unless they meet several conditions. Officers must present valid identification, submit a written statement of purpose, and provide a valid judicial warrant. ICE authorities must also receive approval from the district superintendent, county superintendent, charter school principal, or a designated administrator.
Additionally, AB 49 requires local educational agencies to limit access to areas where students are not present. For daycare centers, the rules are similar. ICE officers may not enter the premises unless they meet the same identification, warrant, and approval requirements. Even when approved, their access must be limited to areas where children are not present.
State Government Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Agency Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs: SB 12 (Gonzalez) SB 12 lays the foundation for a new state agency dedicated to uplifting immigrant and refugee communities. The bill creates the Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Agency, which will focus on helping individuals integrate into California’s social, cultural, economic, and civic life by identifying and removing systemic barriers.
The agency will be led by a secretary appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs will take the lead on coordinating and managing services across the state. This office will also absorb related programs, staff, and funding from other agencies to ensure services are centralized, effective, and accessible.
To support its mission, SB 12 establishes the Immigrant and Refugee Integration Fund, which will provide ongoing financial support for community programs. The office will manage this fund and use it to strengthen service delivery for immigrant and refugee communities. The bill also defines the role of the Statewide Director of Immigrant and Refugee Inclusion, who will oversee these efforts, ensure programs meet their goals, and deliver a comprehensive statewide plan to the Legislature by January 1, 2027.
Importantly, SB 12 sets strict guidelines around privacy. It limits how personal information about immigrants and refugees can be shared and bans the use of agency resources for immigration enforcement. To sum it up, this bill is about expanding support, increasing access, and safeguarding the rights and dignity of immigrants and refugees throughout California.
As California navigates a pivotal legislative season, one thing is clear: the stakes are high for immigrant and undocumented communities. While some bills push us forward by protecting rights and expanding access to care, others risk unraveling years of equity-driven progress. ITUP will continue monitoring these proposals and advocating for policies that build a healthier, more inclusive future for all Californians.
For more information, reach out to us at info@itup.org or visit our website to read more about ITUP’s legislative analysis.