California Immigration Laws

Limits state and local law enforcement agencies from using resources to investigate, interrogate, detain, detect, or arrest persons for immigration enforcement purposes, with narrow exceptions for serious criminal activity.

California issues driver's licenses to all residents regardless of immigration status. These licenses are marked "Federal Limits Apply" and cannot be used for federal identification purposes.

Immigration status is irrelevant for the enforcement of California labor laws. Employers cannot use immigration status as a defense against wage claims or retaliate against workers who assert their labor rights.

Students who attended and graduated from a California high school (at least 3 years) may qualify for in-state tuition and state financial aid at public colleges and universities, regardless of immigration status.

Local law enforcement agencies may not honor federal immigration detainer requests unless the individual has been convicted of specified serious or violent felonies.