Hundreds of immigrant rights advocates head to the State Capitol

The Coalition of Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) hosted “Immigrants Thriving Day of Advocacy” this week, an opportunity for over 150 immigrants and advocates to journey to the Capitol in Sacramento to meet with their legislators and lobby for legislation that will benefit the broader immigrant community.

CHIRLA members from throughout the state came to Sacramento to speak with lawmakers and express their support for multiple Senate and Assembly bills aimed at protecting immigrant rights. The bills range from increasing oversight in detention centers to protection from evictions.

“When immigrant voices are in the loop, our democracy works better. When those most impacted are heard, we move closer to justice. That's why lifting up the voices of our communities is not optional, it is essential,” said Jeannette Zanipatin, director of policy and advocacy at CHIRLA during a press conference Wednesday. “For too long, decisions have been made about immigrants without immigrants … today we remind our elected leaders of both parties that our stories matter, our contributions matter and our futures matter.”

The group highlighted its “Immigrants Thriving” policy agenda, a legislative package that it hopes lawmakers will prioritize in 2026-27. The priority and budget agenda comes at an important time when the California Legislature is in the middle of reviewing the governor’s proposed budget for the upcoming year and working on its own counter budget.

Advocates had 75 legislative visits with lawmakers and were able to accomplish drop-in meetings with the staff of 20 more, according to Zanipatin. The visits were positive and many of the legislators were already supportive of the bills CHIRLA is co-sponsoring, Zanipatin said.

The agenda also comes amidst intense federal pressure and violence against immigrants in the name of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda. California has been steadfast in its fight against the federal government’s actions, introducing and passing several anti-immigration enforcement bills, but advocates say there is still much left to do.

“In a time of uncertainty and fear, California must continue to lead, ensuring that our schools, hospitals, workplaces and public spaces are safe for everyone, regardless of immigration status,” Zanipatin said. “When we build these firewalls, we are building a California where every person can take and seek care without fear, report abuse without hesitation and pursue opportunity without barriers. That is how we ensure that all Californians, not just some, can truly thrive.”

Immigrants Thriving agenda

There are nine pieces of legislation included in CHIRLA’s policy agenda. In addition to seven bills, CHIRLA is supporting two resolutions: Assembly Joint Resolution 17 and Senate Joint Resolution 8, which support two federal bills that would create a pathway to citizenship for around eight million immigrants by updating the Registry Act of 1929. The Act authorized long-term undocumented residents to register for a green card. 

SB 1243, the “Tenant Protections for Immigrant Families Act of 2026,” authored by Sen. María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles), would allow a temporary stay of eviction for immigrant families whose breadwinner is detained by immigration enforcement. 

“95% of immigrant renters are experiencing rent burden following the raids,” Durazo said Wednesday. “No one should endure the trauma of a detention and worry about losing their home. SB 1243 will give families basic stability by pausing eviction proceedings so they have a chance to get back on their feet during already traumatic times.”

With rising threats from the federal government about placing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at polling sites during this year’s Midterm Election, Sen. Sabrina Cervantes’ (D-Riverside) SB 73 would reinforce voter rights.

The bill would prohibit federal agents, including ICE, from being deployed to polling sites, as well as restrict them from inspecting voting machines unless authorized by a court order.

“I am proud to work with you to continue to safeguard our elections and ensure that California keeps the right to choose their government at the ballot box, no matter how hard Donald Trump tries to take that away from us,” Cervantes told advocates Wednesday.

AB 1231 was first introduced in 2025 and made it through the legislative process before being returned, unpassed, to its author Assemblymember Sade Elhawary (D-Los Angeles). The assemblymember said Wednesday the bill did not pass because of widespread misinformation.

The “Safer Communities Through Opportunities Act” would create more reform programs for low-level, non-violent felony offenders instead of them being “pushed” into the criminal justice system, Elhawary said. The assemblymember emphasized how dangerous the current system is for immigrants, as any small mark on their record makes it easier to detain or deport them.

“We know that is not okay, and so what we're doing is making sure that [by] using AB 1231, we can actually have safer communities through real opportunities,” Elhawary said. “If you've made a mistake, if you committed a crime, then you can learn from that.”

Advocates also spoke to lawmakers about bills to increase oversight of detention centers and prohibit state police from assisting federal operations and violating Californian’s rights. Another bill would expand existing protections for immigrants in the workplace, and the last would protect volunteers at immigrant rights organizations.

Speaking directly to the members who made the trip to Sacramento to advocate for themselves and those in their communities, CHIRLA Executive Director Angelica Salas delivered a powerful message.

“Let this be a reminder that your voice matters in these halls, in these offices, in every decision that shapes our future,” Salas said. “Keep raising your voices, keep sharing your stories and keep demanding that California sees you and values you and stands up for you.”