Senate Bill 467, authored by state Sen. Anthony Portantino, was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on July 13.
The measure promotes equal access to higher education programs for all Californians by allowing undocumented students to use alternative forms of identification to access these important pipeline opportunities.
“Too many students face artificial barriers when trying to access certain higher education opportunities and securing jobs as a result of their immigration status,” Portantino said. “SB 467 will allow students to use alternative forms of identification to secure certain programs on community college campuses. I am thankful to the governor for prioritizing this important educational reform to help all of California’s students to have equal access to career opportunities. It’s better for the student and California’s economy when we create a talented and trained workforce.”
The Legislature has previously approved a number of measures to remove barriers to college enrollment, increase financial aid and made changes to funding formulas to incentivize academic completion to promote job placement. SB 467 prohibits a community college from denying a student access to a career technical education based on their use of an individual tax identification number in the background checks for the associated internships or apprenticeship programs.
“FACCC applauds Gov. Newsom for signing SB 467 into law,” said Wendy Brill-Wynkoop, president of the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges. “The California community colleges remain committed to supporting the undocumented students within our system as they strive to achieve their higher education and career goals. We want to thank Sen. Portantino and his staff for their tireless work and continued partnership in honoring that commitment.”
Portantino was recently honored with a distinction in Higher Education Legacy by the Campaign for College Opportunity.
First published in the July 29 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
