By Isabelle Perez, October 27, 2026
California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 713 on Sept. 20. He vetoed a similar Assembly Bill 2586, in 2024 and claimed his concerns of the possible consequences have grown stronger.
The AB 713 bill proposed for undocumented students to have paid on-campus jobs, according to the Los Angeles Times. Both California State University and the University of California system took a neutral stance on the bill.
The federal court must weigh in on the novel legal theory before California can put the bill into effect, according to his veto statement. This means the legality must be tested before being placed into effect, since the bill is suggesting a new precedent.
In addition, Newsom’s federal attacks on California’s public higher education system have raised concerns among immigrant communities.
Mario Guerrero, chair of the Political Science Department, explained the government’s concerns about the bill are valid given the federal climate.
“My frustration with this is Gavin Newsom will pick up direct criticism of Trump in other ways,” Guerrero said.
He pointed to Newsom being vocal on social media about how he is willing to disagree with the president on immigration in other settings, but not on a bill creating pathways for undocumented students to succeed.
Guerrero said leaving this up to federal court only delays the answers students need.
Guerrero, recalled an undocumented student, from last Spring semester, was only two to three classes away from graduating but could not afford another term due to having limited access to jobs
Julian Rosales, a psychology student, said the veto is unfair and undocumented students should be able to have the same college experience as everyone else.
“They’re not looking for more; they’re not looking for less,” Rosales said. “They’re trying to make a living so they can afford their bills and expenses.”
With campus jobs still unavailable to undocumented students, staff at the Undocumented Student Services want students to know they are here to help.
Areli Castro, coordinator of the USS, said one of the most important resources the center offers are free immigration legal help through CARECEN. Students can access these resources by walking into the USS or online.
“That’s one of the most important services we offer especially in current times,” Castro said. “We want to make sure students know about it and they can access it.”
USS also offers a space where students can study and get non-academic advising on graduate school and internships.
They also partner with the Care Center, providing resources like therapy and food access for students.
Cal Poly Pomona students who want to support the USS center can follow the center on Instagram @cpp_undocubroncos and attend events.
Castro encourages allyship with undocumented students by recommending students to express their concerns and raise awareness for those who might be afraid to speak up for themselves.
For now, the veto stands, until court rules or lawmakers try again with the bill. Students without legal status will have to continue to look for employment support elsewhere.
