Skip to main content

California law

Immigration Laws in California.

Immigration law is primarily federal, but California has some of the strongest state-level protections for immigrants in the country. The California Values Act limits state and local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. California provides driver's licenses to all residents regardless of immigration status and has expanded Medi-Cal coverage to all income-eligible adults.

Last verified: 2026-02-25

State law

Key California Statutes

California Values Act (Sanctuary State)Cal. Gov. Code § 7284

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.

Driver's Licenses for All Residents (AB 60)Cal. Veh. Code § 12801.9

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.

Workplace Immigration Enforcement ProtectionsCal. Lab. Code § 1171.5

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.

In-State Tuition (California DREAM Act)Cal. Educ. Code § 68130.5

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.

TRUST Act (ICE Hold Limitations)Cal. Gov. Code § 7282

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

State law

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in California.

Also in the directory

Browse attorneys for this issue in California.

Browse Immigration attorneys

More in California

Other state law topics.

Personal Injury Laws·Criminal Defense Laws·Family Laws·Employment Laws·Bankruptcy Laws·Medical Malpractice Laws·Workers' Compensation Laws·Wrongful Death Laws·Product Liability Laws·Long-Term Disability & ERISA Laws·Estate Planning Laws·Probate Laws·Real Estate Laws·Landlord & Tenant Laws·Business Laws·Intellectual Property Laws·Tax Laws·Elder Laws·Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Laws·Civil Rights Laws·Domestic Violence Laws·Veterans Legal Services Laws·Healthcare & Benefits Laws·Construction Defect Laws·Insurance Disputes Laws·Premises Liability Laws·Commercial Litigation Laws·Environmental Laws·Securities & Finance Laws·Municipal Laws·Administrative Laws

FlowLawyers Logo
FlowLawyersAccess to Justice

Browse the legal platform.

Browse attorneys by state and practice area, explore legal aid resources, and access state law and legal education in one place.

Attorney Advertising Disclosure

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. FlowLegal Partners LLC is an attorney directory and advertising platform dedicated to improving access to legal representation across the United States. We are not a law firm and do not operate as a lawyer referral service. We do not practice law, evaluate legal matters, provide legal advice, make legal judgments, or recommend or endorse any specific attorney. AI-generated work product requires attorney review and approval before use. Attorney supervision of all AI output is required and is the sole responsibility of the subscribing firm. Attorneys may pay for enhanced directory listings and advertising placement. The presence of an attorney on our platform does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. As a California resident, you have additional privacy rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act and California Privacy Rights Act.

© 2025–2026 FlowLegal Partners LLC