Information for Immigrants | Covered California™ (2024)

FAQs

What is California's view on immigrants? ›

All immigrants are protected against discrimination because of their race, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, and certain other characteristics, as well as primary language, immigration status, and citizenship.

CALIFORNIA BENEFITS PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO “NOT QUALIFIED” IMMIGRANTS INCLUDE: – Cash Assistance for Program for Immigrants (CAPI): CAPI provides basic cash assistance for low-income elderly and/or disabled immigrants who are not yet eligible for SSI.

Immigrants who are not lawfully present do not qualify for a health plan through Covered California; however, they may qualify for coverage through Medi-Cal if they are younger than age 26 or are 50 or older, or are pregnant or were recently pregnant.

In fact, California is the second-most ethnically diverse state in the US and has the most immigrants, in both number and percentage of its overall population. If you live in California, you're likely to live and work with people from all walks of life.

1 Even among eligible immigrant families, language barriers, complex eligibility rules, a fear of immigration consequences, and a lack of cultural competence among some program staff compounded the difficulties many people face in meeting the complex requirements of established health, nutrition, housing, and cash ...

For example, undocumented California residents can now get a California driver's license because of AB 60, or the Safe and Responsible Drivers Act. This law was passed in 2013 to reduce traffic accidents. These licenses are also known as AB 60 licenses.

Am I eligible for SNAP if I am not a citizen? Only certain lawfully present non-citizens may receive SNAP benefits. Undocumented non-citizens are not and have never been eligible for SNAP. If you have an eligible immigration status, you must meet SNAP eligibility requirements such as limits on income and resources.

No, California is not giving immigrants who are in the US illegally $150K to buy homes. A vetoed bill would've only allowed certain immigrants to enter a lottery for a government-provided home loan. To many voters, two of the biggest political issues in this election are housing prices and immigration.

WORKING WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION IS NOT A FEDERAL OR STATE CRIME The State of California has not criminalized undocumented workers. The federal government has the exclusive authority to regulate immigration, and working without authorization is not a crime under any federal statute.

Does California offer free healthcare? ›

Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for California residents who meet eligibility requirements. Most applicants who apply through Covered California and enroll in Medi-Cal will receive care through managed health plans. Medi-Cal eligibility to include low-income adults.

When the state of California enacted new laws designed at protecting undocumented immigrants, it prompted a stern response from federal authorities.

The Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) is a California program that provides cash assistance to low-income seniors and persons with disabilities who are not eligible for federal SSI due to their immigration status. Immigrants who are receiving SSI benefits are not eligible for CAPI.

10.5 million immigrants reside in California, or 27 percent of the total population. 4.4 million immigrants reside in the Los Angeles metro area, or 33 percent of the total population.

Keeping Families Together

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that beginning on August 19, 2024, eligible spouses and children will be able to apply for this process to obtain legal status while remaining with their families.

State of play: The Pew Research Center puts the U.S.' undocumented population at 10.5 million in 2021, which is the latest available data. Around 1.85 million were in California and accounted for about 5% of its total population.

Data from the World Population Review showing each state's foreign-born population in 2021 indicates that California, Texas and Florida have the largest immigrant populations in the U.S. New York and New Jersey round out the top five states with the highest number of immigrants.

POLICE AND SHERIFFS:

Cannot ask about your immigration status. Cannot arrest you only for having a deportation order or for most other immigration violations. Cannot use Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Border Patrol agents as interpreters.

The migrant population exploded in California during the Great Depression, when thousands of people moved there to find work and a better life. Regardless of where they came from, their skills or education, they were called, "Okies."