Immigration

Existing law exempts a student, other than a nonimmigrant alien, as defined, from paying nonresident tuition at the California State University and the California Community Colleges if the student meets certain requirements. Existing law makes a student who meets these requirements for exemption from nonresident tuition, or who meets equivalent requirements adopted by the Regents of the University of California, eligible to apply for, and participate in, any student financial aid program administered by the state to the full extent permitted by federal law. Existing law requires the Student Aid Commission to establish procedures and forms that enable these students to apply for, and participate in, those student financial aid programs. This bill would require the commission, by the start of the 2026–27 financial aid cycle, to amend the California Dream Act application, and any of its grant processing systems, to clarify and ensure that the application can be used by any student eligible for state financial aid programs, regardless of their eligibility for federal financial aid. The bill would also require the commission to consult with California's public and private colleges and universities to promote the California Dream Act application effectively and inform students and their families of their available financial aid application options, as provided.

Senate Resolution 32 is a symbolic resolution passed by the California Senate opposing President Trump's Executive Order No. 14160, which sought to limit birthright citizenship for children of certain immigrants. The resolution affirms that birthright citizenship is protected by the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as established by the 1898 Supreme Court case United States v. Wong Kim Ark. It states that denying birthright citizenship would harm children of immigrants by limiting their access to education, healthcare, and essential services like CalWORKs and CalFresh. The resolution was adopted unanimously (27-0) on July 10, 2025, and will be sent to federal officials as a statement of opposition. This resolution does not change any law but expresses California's position on this constitutional issue.