Hi friend,

It’s hard to believe, but this year marks my 28 th anniversary at NILC.

A central part of my work is supporting state and local advocates in advancing
policies that allow people to live full, healthy lives. Building power at the
state level is crucial — not only for improving daily lives, but also for
driving long-term federal change.

To celebrate effective local organizing, I’m sharing three wins from this year:

* As of January 2024, all low-income immigrants in California are eligible for
public health coverage. This monumental policy shift could lower poverty among non-citizens by as
much as 2.9%, researchers predict. NILC is proud to have served on the
steering committee of this multi-year campaign.
* Vermont became the 25th state to offer in-state tuition to students
regardless of their immigration status , and will also offer financial aid to eligible students, increasing their
opportunities for success.
* In April, Colorado launched the nation’s first ongoing alternative to
unemployment insurance for immigrant workers. NILC worked closely with our state partners to support its successful
implementation, which we hope will become a model for other states.

These policy victories are particularly significant because they were achieved
in a challenging year, given the upcoming elections and state budget shortfalls. They demonstrate the power of collective action. Although focused on immigrants, these wins will benefit everyone in the state.
Communities are better off when their residents are healthy, can support their
families, and are able to pursue their education. It’s just common sense.

With about a dozen state legislatures still in session, there’s room for more
progress before the year ends. NILC will continue to support the critical state
work that expands access to education, improves health coverage, strengthens
workers' rights, and builds a future where every person, regardless of their
immigration status, can thrive.

We have accomplished so much, but the fight is far from over. Stay tuned for more highlights and opportunities to get involved.

More soon,

Tanya Broder
Senior Counsel, Health & Economic Justice Policy
National Immigration Law Center

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