FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2025

Media Contact:
Beleza Chan, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])


** At 100 Days, Attacks on In-State Tuition for California’s Undocumented Students Harm Our Economy and Communities
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — At the 100-day mark of the Trump Administration’s second term, we’ve watched the President enact dozens of policies that systematically disenfranchise undocumented people and those seeking safety and opportunity, most recently including attacks on in-state tuition ([link removed]) for undocumented students. Undocumented students already face high costs and no access to federal benefits, and the latest executive order barring them from in-state tuition only raises these barriers further. Undocumented degree-holders contribute millions to California’s economy, and the attacks on in-state tuition are morally misguided and economically unsound.

Regardless of immigration status, Immigrants Rising remains committed to ensuring all families, students, and professionals can thrive. We stand firm in our mission to empower every individual to reach their full potential—no matter who holds office or what harmful policies arise.

Said Dr. Iliana Perez, Executive Director of Immigrants Rising, “This administration’s chaotic, counterproductive policies scapegoat undocumented people—people who strengthen our communities and economy. Instead of reforming our broken, enforcement-heavy immigration system, measures like banning in-state tuition only deepen harm, stifle innovation, and undermine the states’ ability to support their residents.

Yet, we will continue to rise! As a formerly undocumented student and DACA recipient, California leaders inspire me—like California lawmakers ([link removed]) such as Assemblymembers Solache and Carrillo, LAUSD’s Superintendent ([link removed]) and CSAC’s Executive Director ([link removed]) —who are stepping up to ensure immigrants are seen, supported, and included. I’m equally grateful for all our allies who continue to stand with undocumented students and professionals.

No matter the federal attacks, Immigrants Rising will fight for undocumented people’s futures in this country and state they call home. Now more than ever, we urge policymakers, schools, businesses, and all of society to recognize our undocumented neighbors for who they are: resilient and brilliant people pursuing prosperity.”


** BACKGROUND:
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In the first 100 days, we have seen the administration undocument thousands of people—including workers, students, newcomers, and longstanding community members. Attacks on protections and legal statuses—such as parole, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), student visas, asylum, and the ongoing uncertainty of the future of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)—have left immigrant communities vulnerable to increased enforcement and surveillance. We’ve also seen a complete disregard of our legal systems, from the mining of names and addresses of taxpayers to the wrongful detentions of Mahmoud Khalil and Rümeysa Öztürk, the groundless removal of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to a prison camp in El Salvador, and the countless community members who were removed from this country without the opportunity to defend themselves.

Undocumented immigrants are the backbone of the United States. While they are not eligible for Social Security or Medicare, undocumented immigrants have created a trillion-dollar subsidy ([link removed]) to our Social Security programs through the taxes they pay. Undocumented workers also represent a large share ([link removed]) of the workforce of key industries like construction, agriculture, healthcare, and hospitality. In contrast, a policy agenda of mass deportations would cost $88 billion annually ([link removed]) —far outweighing any imagined savings. By keeping these workers and professionals in our communities, we keep families together and create economic growth, supply chain function, community stability, and social unity.
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Founded in 2006, Immigrants Rising ([link removed]) transforms individuals and fuels broader changes. With resources and support, undocumented young people are able to get an education, pursue careers, and build a brighter future for themselves and their community. Our collective power is helping our nation edge closer to fulfilling its ideal as a land of opportunity and access for all.

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