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Hi John,

This October, we celebrated AB 540’s 24th anniversary! For 24 years, AB 540 has enabled tens of thousands of undocumented and eligible students in California to afford college education and access state financial aid. This landmark law continues to make higher education possible for immigrants.

Regardless of your age, race, where you live, or your status, everyone deserves a chance to pursue an education. In the midst of attacks on undocumented students’ equitable access to education, we should celebrate loudly about our community’s wins and joys, and use them as an opportunity to highlight the crucial needs of today.

And so, I invite you to celebrate 24 years of AB 540 by sharing the word about AB 540's history and its benefits to date, and making the most of the resources it has made possible, like the CA Dream Act Application and California in-state tuition access.
Apply for financial aid in California
At the same time, especially if you’re outside of California, keep yourself updated about higher education access in all 50 states with the Higher Ed Immigration Portal.

While the next thing may feel uncertain, we encourage you to stay close and grounded to community. Whether it’s doing what you can to protect yourself and your loved ones, celebrating wins and feeling our grief, sharing resources with those around you, advocating in physical or virtual spaces, we’re in this together.

In community,
Madeleine
Interim Director of Higher Education
Immigrants Rising

It’s Our First Anniversary as a 501(c)(3)

We celebrated our first year as a 501(c)(3) this month! In our first year as an independent nonprofit organization, we’ve already achieved major highlights, and we know there is much more work to do.

We hope to continue to be in service of our undocumented community, from direct services to inter-level and policy advocacy. Thank you so much for being with us!

Updates on Our Policy Advocacy

We’re proud to meet the moment and support key legislative and budget efforts that not only protect, but also expand, opportunities for immigrants to pursue their dreams. Read about the bills we supported, our policy wins, and updates for the upcoming year here.

Fresno Entrepreneurship Research

We recently launched our research report on entrepreneurship in Fresno! In this 50-page report, we outline the experiences, challenges, potential, and importance of small business entrepreneurship in the Central Valley. Read the research brief or the full report here. Want to learn more? Watch the recording of our webinar launch.

Career Activity Groups

Join our first-ever Career Activity Groups! Select one of our industry-based cohorts to expand your skillset, build connections, and prepare for a career in your field. Applications will close once all available spots are filled.

Mental Health Connector

Our Mental Health Connector is now open on a rolling basis! Especially at this time, it’s even more important to have someone to lean on. Get matched with a mental health provider and receive 1:1 support for your wellness. Sign up today.

Wellness Support Groups

We’re excited to offer our support groups in partnership with different campuses and nonprofit organizations this time around! Find out if your school/organization is participating or learn how you can bring our groups to your campus.

DACA Updates

This month, we heard two key updates on DACA:

  1. Parties in the 5th Circuit Court case submitted briefs on how Judge Hanen should proceed with the DACA policy in Texas. Learn more here.
  2. Payment options have changed for DACA renewals. Learn more here.

Upcoming Events

Resource Highlights

National:
Wherever you are in the U.S., use the Higher Ed Immigration Portal by The Presidents’ Alliance to learn more about data, policies, and resources for immigrants. Learn more about your options for higher education, legal pathways, and career.

California:
Are you looking for your college options as a student in California? Visit our Going to College in California page to learn how you can attend college with in-state tuition rates and access financial aid opportunities.

Media Updates

California must preserve in-state tuition policy for immigrant students | Opinion, By Dr. Iliana G. Perez for The Sacramento Bee
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