The University of California (UC) is facing a lawsuit due to its decision to deny illegal immigrants from obtaining paid campus jobs.
The UC initially approved a policy in 2023 that aimed to grant all university students, regardless of immigration status, the opportunity to work for UC. However, the school did not implement this “equitable access” policy in January, leading to the lawsuit.
The big picture: The lawsuit argues that UC’s decision is discriminatory and based on a mistaken belief that the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act, which prohibits noncitizens from U.S. employment, applies to state employers like UC.
- The effects of UC’s policy are seen as detrimental, preventing academically promising students from pursuing advanced degrees and fulfilling necessary employment requirements.
- This policy hinders students’ academic potential and contribution to the state, according to the lawsuit.
- The petitioners also contend that UC’s decision violates the Fair Employment and Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on immigration status.
What we’re watching: The resolution of this lawsuit could impact the aspirations of thousands of illegal immigrant students seeking to pursue their academic goals.
