LOS ANGELES – A California Court of Appeal on Tuesday ruled the Regents of the University of California’s policy of barring undocumented immigrants from accessing on-campus jobs and paid research positions violates state law.

The three-judge panel’s decision concluded “the University’s employment policy facially discriminates based on immigration status and that, in light of applicable state law, the discriminatory policy cannot be justified by the University’s” reasons.

The suit against the Regents was filed in October 2024 by UCLA alumnus and a university lecturer. The plaintiffs are represented by attorneys from the law firm of Altshuler Berzon LLP, Organized Power in Numbers, the Center for Immigration Law and Policy (CILP) at the UCLA School of Law, and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON).

Please attribute the following statement to:

Immigrant Justice in Action Coalition, a member-led organization made up of immigrant and allied students, organizers, leaders, and community members across the state of California: 

"Today's ruling is a powerful affirmation of what California undocumented students have long known: exclusion is discrimination. The University of California cannot continue to hide behind fear and delay while denying thousands of undocumented students the opportunity to work and thrive. This legal victory strengthens our demand to the UC and the state of California to provide equitable employment opportunities for undocumented students. Now more than ever, it is critical we embrace the endless possibilities of policies that provide equal access for all to contribute, succeed, and thrive in the country we call home."

Iliana G. Perez, a plaintiff and former UC lecturer:

“This ruling is a landmark victory for undocumented students who have fought for decades to be seen, supported, and valued within the University of California system. As someone who was undocumented and a UC lecturer, I know firsthand the transformative power of on-campus work opportunities. UC must now act with urgency to dismantle exclusionary policies and ensure all students, regardless of immigration status, can fully participate in their education, contribute to their campuses, and shape California’s future.”

 Ju Hong, Director, UCLA Dream Resource Center:

“This ruling is a huge victory for all students, for equity, and for opportunity. Immigrant youth led this fight when many thought it couldn’t be done—showing the power of grassroots organizing. We will keep pushing and organizing until UC does the right thing.”

Ahilan Arulanantham, Faculty Co-Director of CILP:

“The Court’s powerful opinion rejects the UC’s attempt to justify its policy discriminating against undocumented students. It is wrong—both morally and legally—to bar our state’s most talented students from access to crucial educational employment opportunities based on their immigration status. We call on the UC to comply with state law and treat all its students equally, regardless of immigration status.”

Hiroshi Motomura, Faculty Co-Director of CILP:

"The Court made it crystal clear that the UC can't justify unlawful discrimination against its students by saying that ending that discrimination would prompt federal government opposition. The UC may not evade state anti-discrimination laws for such speculative reasons. This decision is a victory for treating all students equally, and for making sure that California doesn't let concerns about federal responses lead it to violate state law."

Attorneys with Altshuler Berzon LLP:

“Today’s decision is a landmark win for students and faculty who stood up against the Regents’ unlawful actions. The court’s ruling sends a clear message that no institution is above the law and reinforces vital protections for our academic community. We are so proud to have fought on behalf of students who deserve the chance to fulfill their academic dreams.”

Read the ruling here.

About UCLA CILP:

Founded in 2020, the Center for Immigration Law and Policy (CILP) at the UCLA School of Law expands the law school's role as a national leader in immigration law and policy, generating innovative ideas at the intersection of immigration scholarship and practice and serving as a hub for transforming those ideas into meaningful changes in immigration policy. 

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