Bill allowing California's public universities to employ undocumented students heads to Gov. Newsom's desk

California is on the verge of becoming the first state to require public universities to hire undocumented students without legal work permits.

A bill addressing the issue passed the Legislature on Monday and now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk for his signature. Newsom has until the end of September to decide.

The measure would allow the University of California, California State University, and California Community Colleges systems to start employing undocumented students by January 2025. This move follows the University of California's earlier decision to reject a similar proposal, citing legal risks and concerns about losing federal funding.

The legislation coincides with California's broader efforts to expand access to government programs and services for undocumented residents, such as state-supported home loans. Newsom, who has previously both supported and vetoed undocumented-centered legislation, has not yet taken a public stance on this bill.

"We will be helping students who struggle every day to stay financially afloat as they are earning their degrees, really changing their lives," lawmaker David Alvarez, who sponsored the bill, said on Monday.