CALIFORNIA — As immigration raids continue and fear spreads through our communities, a new proposal out of California seeks to shift the narrative: grant fast-tracked work permits to undocumented immigrants performing essential jobs in agriculture, construction, hospitality, and other vital industries.
State Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, the daughter of immigrants and a Republican from Redlands, formally urged President Donald Trump and federal congressional leaders to support granting work permits to millions of undocumented workers who sustain the economy but live in fear and without documentation.
“For years I avoided speaking about immigration. Today, I feel compelled to do so,”
— Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
Why This Effort Matters
California is home to over 2.5 million undocumented immigrants, many of whom work in essential industries that keep the state running:
- 🌱 Agriculture
- 🍽️ Restaurants and hospitality
- 🏗️ Construction and maintenance
- 🧼 Caregiving and cleaning services
Yet ongoing ICE raids, deportation threats, and the lack of legal work status leave these workers vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and constant fear.
“Without immigration reform, Californians will pay more for everything—food, housing, services. There simply aren’t enough workers.”
— Paul Granillo, President of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership
Raids, Fear, and Economic Consequences
The recent immigration raids across Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside have caused:
- Temporary restaurant shutdowns
- Unharvested crops
- Entire communities frozen in fear
Even Catholic parishes have suspended in-person mass, fearing that ICE agents may enter religious grounds. These consequences affect not only immigrants but California’s entire economy.
What Lawmakers Are Proposing
In their letter, Ochoa Bogh and other lawmakers call for:
- Temporary and fast-tracked work permits for essential undocumented immigrants
- A modernized immigration system aligned with real labor market demands
- Worker protections against abuse, unsafe working conditions, and exploitation
Support is also growing for the federal Dignity Act of 2025, which would provide a legal pathway for those already contributing to the nation’s well-being.
Ayuda California Is With You: Rights, Dignity, and Action
At Ayuda California, we advocate for reforms that protect those who feed, build, and care for our communities—regardless of immigration status. If you or your family:
✅ Have been impacted by immigration raids
✅ Suffered workplace accidents, personal injuries, or wage theft
✅ Want to understand your legal and labor rights
We’re here to help.
Know Your Rights:
🔹 No one can ask about your immigration status when reporting labor violations or injuries (Law AB 263, SB 666, and Labor Code §244)
🔹 You can file a claim for a workplace injury, even without papers
🔹 You have the right to full payment for all hours worked (California Labor Code §1194)
🔹 You’re protected from retaliation for speaking up
How We Help You:
📞 Free & confidential consultation
👨⚖️ Experienced attorneys in immigration, labor, and personal injury law
🤝 Spanish-speaking support, regardless of immigration status
👉 Learn your rights as an essential worker
👉 Speak with our legal team NOW
Ayuda California
The medical treatment you need. The money you deserve. The dignity no one can take away.
