Governor Newsom Vetoes Bill Allowing Undocumented Students to Work on Campus
Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed Assembly Bill 713, a bill that would have allowed undocumented students in California's public colleges and universities to work on campus. This marks the second time Newsom has rejected such legislation, citing concerns about potential…
San Francisco Oakland San Jose, CA, September 21, 2026 —
California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed Assembly Bill 713, a legislative proposal that sought to permit undocumented students enrolled in the state’s public colleges and universities to accept employment opportunities on campus. This decision represents the second instance in which Newsom has declined to sign similar legislation.
In his veto message, Governor Newsom cited concerns regarding potential repercussions from the federal government. He stated that the state should await clarification from federal courts on the legal standing of such provisions before enacting them. The governor indicated a need for a clearer understanding of the legal framework underpinning the bill’s objectives, suggesting that proceeding without such clarity could invite federal challenges.
Assembly Bill 713 was intended to provide students who lack legal immigration status but are enrolled in California’s higher education institutions with the ability to work in on-campus positions. Supporters of the bill argued that it would offer valuable work experience and financial support to these students, enabling them to better afford their education and living expenses.
This veto follows a similar rejection of a related bill in a previous legislative session, underscoring the governor’s cautious approach to policies that may intersect with federal immigration authority. The administration’s stance emphasizes a preference for proceeding with significant policy changes only after navigating potential legal complexities and federal scrutiny.
The specific details regarding the legal theory that requires clarification by federal courts were not elaborated upon in the governor’s public statement. Likewise, the exact nature of the potential federal retaliation that the governor fears was not detailed. The pathway forward for undocumented students seeking on-campus employment in California remains unchanged following this veto.
Story summarized from the original created by Bryan Vo on ww2.kqed.org, see more information here.
Media gallery
