Lawmakers Push for Work Permits for Essential Immigrants

CALIFORNIAAs 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.

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