Dear John,

We’re proud to share Immigrants Rising’s 2025 Policy Advocacy Agenda, reflecting our unwavering commitment to expanding access to higher education, career pathways, and economic opportunities for undocumented individuals and their families. No matter the federal attacks against immigrants, Immigrants Rising is advancing a bold, proactive strategy that enables students and young professionals to confidently pursue their educational and career goals and disrupts the harmful narrative that immigrants must live in fear or delay their dreams.

This year, we are advancing state and national policies that break down systemic barriers so undocumented students, professionals, and entrepreneurs can thrive. Click on the links here to jump to a specific campaign:
* California (Economic Mobility): (#Economic-Mobility) SEED 3.0, AB 667, AB 2543
* California (Access to College & Career): (#College-Career) AB 713, AB 540
* National (DACA) (#DACA)

This week, you can show your support for our campaigns! Contact your representatives by May 23 and urge them to advance AB 667 (#AB-667) to the Assembly floor.


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Our goal: Ensure undocumented professionals and entrepreneurs have access to the tools they need to succeed.


** 1. State Budget Request for SEED 3.0 (Carrillo)
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A State Budget request seeking a third round of funding for the Social Entrepreneurs for Economic Development (SEED) grant program. SEED is a highly successful grant program for immigrant social entrepreneurs and English language learners to start or grow their own business, or join worker-owned cooperatives.

Lead Organizations: Economic Mobility for All (EM4A) Coalition, California Immigrant Policy Center, Immigrants Rising, Inclusive Action for the City, and Democracy at Work Institute | Read our Letter of Support ([link removed]) and our SEED One-Pager ([link removed])

Status: Governor Newsom’s May Revise budget proposal did not include funding for a third round of SEED grants. Inclusion of SEED grant funding in the State Assembly and Senate Budget is pending.

What we are doing next: The EM4A Coalition is urging the governor and leadership in the Assembly ([link removed]) and Senate ([link removed]) budget committees to include funding for SEED 3.0 in the final state budget. As one of California’s most successful entrepreneurial grant programs, we are urging the state to continue its investment in those California entrepreneurs driving the state’s economy.

What can you do?
* Reshare our SEED 3.0 social media posts ([link removed]) on Instagram.
* Use this sample script, talking points, and a list of Assembly Budget Committee members ([link removed]) to share your support for SEED 3.0.
* Sign up ([link removed]) to advocate for SEED and share your story or testimony.


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A bill to expand access to certain state licensing exams to individuals with limited English proficiency by allowing for interpreters.

Lead Organizations: Economic Mobility for All (EM4A) Coalition, Immigrants Rising, California Immigrant Policy Center | Learn about AB 667 ([link removed])

Status: As of May 8, 2025, AB 667 is on the Assembly Appropriations Committee suspense file. The committee must act by May 23, 2025, to advance the bill to the Assembly floor.

What we are doing next: The EM4A Coalition is urging the Assembly Appropriations Committee members to advance AB 667 to the Assembly Floor for a vote. Coalition members are contacting and visiting committee members’ offices to uplift the importance of expanding language access and breaking language barriers to professional and vocational licenses.

What can you do?
* Reshare our social media posts about AB 667 ([link removed]) on Instagram.
* Sign up ([link removed]) to be a storyteller or spokesperson for AB 667.
* Use this sample script, talking points, and a list of Assembly Budget Committee members ([link removed]) to share your support for AB 667.


** 3. AB 2543 Implementation (Arambula)
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Ensuring faithful implementation of the 2024 legislation allowing undocumented business owners to register as State Certified Small Businesses.

Lead Organizations: Immigrants Rising and CVIIC ([link removed]) | Learn about AB 2543 ([link removed])

Status: Implementation in 2025


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Our goal: Ensure undocumented students across California have access to higher education and meaningful career opportunities.


** 1. AB 713 (Solache): Opportunity for All (O4A)
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A statewide legislative campaign and legal case advocating for paid training and research opportunities for undocumented students in the University of California system.

Lead Organizations: Undocumented Student-Led Network (USN) ([link removed]) , UCLA Labor Center/Dream Resource Center, Center for Immigration Law and Policy (CILP), UAW 4811, California Immigrant Policy Center, and Immigrants Rising | Learn about O4A ([link removed]) and AB 713 ([link removed])

Status: O4A is now a two-year initiative that will run until 2026. Oral argument in Umaña Muñoz, et al v. Regents of the University of California took place in San Francisco on May 13, 2025, and is now awaiting a court decision within 90 days. Read UCLA CILP’s statement here ([link removed]) .


** 2. AB 540 (Firebaugh): Equitable Implementation
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Improving and aligning how California’s in-state tuition law is applied across all public campuses.

Lead Organization: Immigrants Rising | Read the Systemwide AB 540 FAQ ([link removed])

Status: The Systemwide FAQ was updated in April 2025 with new timelines and processes in agreement with all three California public higher education systems (CCCs, CSUs, UCs).


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We continue to fight for DACA recipients through the courts and in Congress, in partnership with the Home is Here Coalition.
Lead Organization: Home Is Here Coalition ([link removed]) | Get the latest DACA updates ([link removed])
Immigrants Rising is also proud to support other legislative efforts focused on college affordability, student safety, dual enrollment, and street vendor protections. Read our full bill support list here ([link removed]) , which we will update as the legislative session progresses.

Alongside our partners, we are resolved to push for transformative change and create a more inclusive future where everyone, regardless of their immigration status, can access opportunities that allow them to thrive.

We urge your support to help us protect progress, expand opportunity, and ensure that undocumented communities flourish academically, economically, and socially. Together, we can make this vision a reality.

Make a Donation! ([link removed])
In community,
Iliana Perez
Executive Director
Immigrants Rising

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