Portantino’s Student Friendly Dream Act Bill Passes Senate Floor

For Immediate Release: April 24, 2023

Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400

Portantino’s Student Friendly Dream Act Bill Passes Senate Floor

Sacramento, California – Senate Bill 467, authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank), passed the Senate Floor today. The measure is aimed at promoting equal access to higher education for all Californians by breaking down barriers for undocumented students and allowing them to use alternative forms of identification to access programs.

“Undocumented students far too often face artificial barriers when trying to access certain higher education opportunities and securing jobs,” stated Senator Portantino. “SB 467 allows students to use alternative forms of identification to secure certain programs on community college campuses.  It ensures immigration status is not a barrier to enrichment and educational goals.”

The Legislature has previously approved a number of measures to remove barriers to enrollment, increase financial aid, and has made changes to funding formulas to incentivize academic completion and to promote job placement for certificate programs.

SB 467 prohibits a community college from denying a student access to a career technical education program based on their use of an individual tax identification number in the background checks for the associated internships or apprenticeship programs.

"Community colleges are a beacon for all Californians wishing to pursue their higher education and career advancement goals,” stated Wendy Brill-Wynkoop, President of the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges. “FACCC remains dedicated to supporting the undocumented students within our system and across our state, and we applaud Senator Portantino for his continued partnership in honoring that commitment."

Senator Portantino has long been a champion of efforts supporting undocumented students. He was recently honored with a distinction in Higher Education Legacy by the Campaign for College Opportunity.

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