Like you, we’re still taking in the results of November’s presidential election and what it means for the undocumented community in the U.S. when the new administration takes office in January. Many in our communities are uncertain of what the future holds. But as we try to regroup and refocus in the new year, it’s useful to remember some of our wins from throughout 2024 and how they can help guide us as we look for ways to continue to stand up and fight for the millions who have lived and worked here for years. While some of the national policy wins highlighted below will be quickly rolled back by the incoming administration, others were at the state level and can’t be so easily trumped come 2025. These policies were often championed by local advocates following years of hard work, passed by state legislatures (and in one case signed by a Republican governor), and took steps to both improve the lives of long-settled undocumented residents and allow them to more fully contribute to their communities. November’s results were devastating, but it’s always worth looking back on some of what our communities accomplished throughout the year and taking inspiration from that for the fights that await us.
JANUARY:
- New Jersey and California kick-off 2024 with pro-immigrant wins: The new year began with two historic wins for immigrant families on opposite coasts of the nation. In California, a new law made the state the first in the country to open state health care insurance to all eligible undocumented adults, the final stage in a years-long process that began with opening coverage to all kids regardless of immigration status. Not only is this a humane policy, it’s also an effective public health policy, because a healthier population benefits everyone. “When we talk to people who are impacted by this [expansion], the difference it makes in their lives is something that truly numbers and words cannot even describe,” Sarah Dar, policy director for the California Immigrant Policy Center, told Cal Matters. “In many cases people have lived for decades without any kind of health care whatsoever.”It’s also a matter of fairness, treating eligible, taxpaying immigrants the same as other Californians. In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy signed the historic New Jersey Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights into law, ensuring that domestic workers in the state are guaranteed their meal and rest breaks, a weekly day of rest, mandatory employment contracts, and as well as protections against unscrupulous and abusive bosses, among numerous provisions. Many likely assume domestic workers were already guaranteed these basic workplace rights, “but they were deliberately excluded from many foundational labor laws made during the New Deal era,” Domestic Workers Alliance leader Ai-jen Poo, who has been instrumental in championing a federal Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act, said in 2019. Sandy Castro, one of 50,000 domestic workers in New Jersey, who was among the workers to witness the bill’s passage in the state assembly. “It’s a very big win for us,” she said. “It feels good to see it come to fruition after sacrificing so much time, so many days, to continue this fight.”
FEBRUARY:
- Federal judges temporarily pause harmful bills endangering immigrants and U.S. citizens alike: In a major win for legal advocates and Texas communities, a federal judge in Austin put on hold S.B. 4, the state’s “show me your papers” law that, if fully implemented, would empower every law enforcement officer to question the citizenship of any Texas resident and detain them. During an April hearing at the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, even Texas’ Solicitor General – arguing in favor of S.B. 4 – admitted the law went “too far.” While S.B. 4 remains on hold as it continues to wind through the legal process, it has unfortunately inspired copycat bills in other states, like Iowa and Oklahoma. The Justice Department responded with lawsuits challenging all three laws, stating that the states “cannot disregard the U.S. Constitution and settled Supreme Court precedent.” In June, a federal court temporarily blocked Iowa’s SF 2340. That same month, a federal court also temporarily blocked Oklahoma’s HB 4156. “This decision is a victory and testament to the resilience of the Oklahoma immigrant community, who stood up against one of the most anti-immigrant laws ever passed in the state,” said Nicholas Espíritu, deputy legal director of the National Immigration Law Center. “The federal courts have been clear that HB 4156, like similar laws in Texas and Iowa, is unconstitutional. Moreover, it would harm all Oklahomans.”
MARCH:
- Texas court smacks down Texas attorney general’s despicable attack on faith-based migrant aid organization: In another big win against Ken Paxton’s nativism, an El Paso judge blocked the corrupt Texas attorney general’s abhorrent attempts to halt the work of Annunciation House, a faith-based migrant shelter that has been a part of the local community for nearly five decades. 205th District Judge Francisco Dominguez wrote that the impeached state attorney general “acted without regard to due process and fair play” and that there was “real and credible concern” that his investigation into the organization was “predetermined.” Paxton has launched a shocking, baseless accusation claiming that Annunciation House was facilitating human smuggling. But this attack didn’t appear overnight; Annunciation House and other migrant aid organizations have been under scrutiny by Texas for several years now. Unable to justify his attacks, Paxton instead used a paperwork dispute as an excuse to shut down the group’s mission. “Predetermined,” indeed.
- Washington state opens professional licenses to eligible undocumented immigrants: Washington residents, regardless of immigration status, can now pursue their careers thanks to legislation signed by Gov. Jay Inslee in March changed certain application requirements in order to allow qualified applicants to access professional licenses and pursue jobs in teaching, health care, accounting, and other professions. The state is home to more than 10,300 undocumented students, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. Lizbeth Cervantes, a student at Heritage University, said she has a goal of working as a lab technician. But “to work in a medical laboratory requires a professional license,” she said in a 2023 report from Alliance for a Just Society (AJS) and Communities for Our Colleges (C4C). The bill is also a smart economic policy when several of these professional fields have been dealing with a shortage of workers, notably in health care. “Many industries with labor shortages in Washington, such as nursing and dentistry, require licensing,” Crosscut reported. “I want to share that I, and students like myself, want to learn, work, and help the country,” said Yakima Valley College student Angelita Cervantes. “With access to a professional license, I would be able to help others as a health care professional.”
APRIL:
- Biden administration extends work permits for 800,000 immigrant workers: Immigrant workers and their advocates celebrated news that the Biden administration issued a temporary rule extending work permits for roughly 800,000 individuals who were at risk of losing their permission to work due to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services processing delays. Without action, immigrant workers would have begun to lose their work permits within a matter of weeks, risking their livelihoods and contributions to their communities. These delays could have hurt communities all across the nation because asylum seekers, refugees, and temporary status holders contribute billions to the economy every year. Anar Boldbaatar, an asylum seeker and member of the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP), called it “great news” for those waiting in anxiety over the status of their jobs. “Because of this extension, I will be able to renew my driver’s license and not lose my job working as a truck driver,” he said. “I know I am one of many ASAP members and other immigrants who have been worrying that we may lose our jobs because of delays in processing work permit renewal applications. I am relieved to be able to tell my work that they can count on me, and grateful I can keep supporting my family, and doing much-needed work in my community.”
- Biden administration extends and expands temporary protections for Ethiopian immigrants: Citing “ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions,” the Biden administration extended and redesignated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia. Passed by Congress into law under the administration of President George H.W. Bush in 1990, TPS has been used to protect immigrants fleeing natural disasters, political instability, and humanitarian crises. This status allows immigrants to live and work legally in the U.S. when they cannot safely return to their home countries. Under the Biden administration’s extension and expansion, an estimated 12,800 additional Ethiopian nationals who are already here and contributing to the U.S. stand to be protected. African Communities Together, Ethiopian Community Development Council, TPS-DED AAC, and Communities United for Status and Protection called the extension and redesignation a victory for Ethiopian nationals that “have fought hard for this win.” Extending and expanding TPS will provide lifesaving humanitarian relief to impacted families while boosting our economy. For example, 83% of TPS holders from Honduras and 86% of TPS holders from El Salvador participate in the labor force and contribute to their communities, FWD.us said. “In all, TPS-eligible individuals contribute nearly $31 billion annually to the U.S. economy.”
MAY:
- Maryland takes momentous step in expanding health care coverage and stabilizing health insurance costs for all residents: In a joyous ceremony surrounded by local community members and leaders, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed the “Access to Care Act” into law, ensuring income-eligible Marylanders regardless of immigration status can buy health coverage from the state exchange. It’ll make for a healthier state and also lower costs for all, legislators and advocates added. The Maryland Health Care For All! Coalition said that previous expansions of health care coverage in the state resulted in nearly $500 million in savings, “helping to stabilize health insurance premiums for all Marylanders.” The Access to Care Act “will have no cost to the state and as we get more and more of our residents covered, we all benefit as we reduce uncompensated hospital care for which we all pay with higher premiums,” said state Senator Antonio Hayes. “Uninsured Marylanders who once forwent routine checkups can soon visit a doctor as they need to,” said CASA Executive Director Gustavo Torres. “The heavy burden that hospital systems and community clinics have carried for decades will lighten, with people heading to preventative care instead of the emergency room. Health will reign in Maryland, as the Access to Care Act is the first step in quality and affordable healthcare for everyone.”
- Vermont joins slate of states giving Dreamers a fairer shot at achieving their higher education goals: In another state win, an education equity bill initiated by Migrant Justice (a long-time champion of essential dairy workers in the state) was signed into law by Republican Gov. Phil Scott and ensures that Vermont residents, including Dreamers, have access to in-state tuition rates and need-based financial aid when at public colleges and universities. State and community colleges, immigrant community members, and impacted individuals were among the local voices that rallied at the Vermont State House to make their case for why this bill should be law and urge Scott to add Vermont to the slate of states investing in their futures by better supporting students. “I am here on behalf of all those students who had to end their education after high school and cut short their dreams,” Heidy Perez Alfaro, an 11th grader at Milton High School, said according to Migrant Justice. “With this law, they will be able to go to college, study for a profession, and help others.” For Migrant Justice member and dairy worker Olga Cruz, the new law represents an exciting new opportunity. “When I got my GED three years ago and looked into continuing my studies, I was shocked by the cost and knew I would never be able to afford college without help,” she said. “With this new law, higher education becomes a possibility for me and many others.” The education equity bill wasn’t the only common sense proposal passed by Vermont at that time. That same month, Scott also signed a bill opening professional licenses to eligible immigrants in the state.
JUNE / JULY
- President Biden announces process to protect American families: In a major organizing victory, the Biden administration announced “Keeping Families Together,” a new process protecting thousands of eligible undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens as they seek permanent status in the United States, as well as some DACA recipients. For many families, “hope” was the word of the day. “I cried all morning. It’s been amazing. It’s been a dream come true,” said Rosa Sanchez, who is married to an American citizen and fears separation from her family. “It just made me feel safe. It made me feel very hopeful that now we’re going to be a normal family.” Eligible immigrants began to apply for the process right away, some with the help of friends like CHIRLA. Tragically, “Keeping Families Together” was blocked in court by Ken Paxton and Project 2025 allies like Stephen Miller. Affected families, however, have been speaking out against this mass family separation effort. “Family unity is the foundation of any strong community,” said Heather Gonzalez, American Families United vice president and the U.S. citizen spouse of an undocumented immigrant. “It’s what keeps us grounded, gives us purpose, and strengthens our bonds to one another. When families are torn apart, it doesn’t affect [only] them. It weakens the fabric of our society.”
- President Biden announces extreme heat and whistleblower protections: In major wins for all workers no matter their legal immigration status, the president announced the long-awaited, first-of-its-kind rule protecting millions of indoor and outdoor workers from extreme heat, protecting millions of indoor and outdoor workers from extreme heat, including implementing requirements for drinking water, rest breaks, and injury and illness prevention plans. For outdoor workers like farmworkers, extreme heat can be a matter of life or death: “They are 20 times more likely to die from heat than civilian employees,” Reckon reported. “If finalized, the proposed rule would help protect approximately 36 million workers in indoor and outdoor work settings and substantially reduce heat injuries, illnesses and deaths in the workplace,” the Department of Labor said. In another big win for all workers and the labor movement, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it was doubling the time that immigrant whistleblowers who speak out about abusive workplace conditions can be protected from deportation from two years to four years. Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement, or DALE, “may have taken different forms over the years since the 1990s, but ultimately the objective is the same,” National Immigration Project DALE Staff Attorney Joseph Lin said. “DALE is both an enforcement tool and organizing tool that keeps worker justice, dignity, and fairness as its north star, and holds accountable bad-acting employers.”
- More TPS wins: In further TPS wins during the summer, President Biden announced the extension and redesignation of temporary protections for Somalia and Yemen, expanding this life-saving humanitarian relief to thousands more immigrants who are already here and contributing to our nation. “The extension of TPS for Somalis will mean A LOT to many people I know in Columbus, Ohio, home to one of the largest Somali communities in the world outside of Somalia,” wrote Auston Kocher, geographer and Assistant Research Professor at the Transactional Research Access Clearinghouse. Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO of New York Immigration Coalition, also celebrated Yemen’s extension and designation “We applaud the Biden administration’s extension and redesignation of TPS for Yemen, recognizing the severe and ongoing challenges in Yemen fueled by armed conflict and humanitarian crisis,” he said. “This measure is a significant step forward in providing immediate relief and stability to those affected by Yemen’s dire conditions.”
AUGUST:
- Olympians with immigrant roots helped lead Team USA to big wins in Paris: Team USA once again dominated the 2024 Summer Olympic games, winning an astounding 126 medals, including 40 gold medals. Contributors to this incredible medal count included a number of athletes with immigrant roots. Gymnast Suni Lee, the daughter of a refugee born in Laos, won two bronze medals and a group gold medal, which combined with wins at the 2020 Summer Olympics makes her one the most decorated American gymnasts of all time She received a champion’s welcome at from the games, where community members stood side-by-side with elected officials Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport to greet the Olympian. Some attendees were members of the Hmong community, who have previously expressed pride and jubilation not just over Lee’s accomplishments, but what’s represented to them. “Hmong people do not regularly see themselves in national media stories or celebrated as part of the national conversation,” Nancy Yang wrote in 2021. “Lee has elevated a community that has for decades felt invisible and forgotten by America.”
OCTOBER:
- United Farm Workers scores historic win within New York City limits: Following a win last year that saw the unionization of 500 workers across four apple farms and one vegetable farm in New York, United Farm Workers expanded unionization within New York City limits, a first for the organization. The unionization of workers at Brooklyn Grange, a “rooftop farm” in Brooklyn, was the seventh since the passage of 2019 state law expanding unionization rights and the iconic labor union’s first foray into urban agriculture. 2023’s unionization effort, meanwhile, was UFW’s biggest win in years, “and the first time the California-based union has organized in the north-east,” The Guardian reported at the time. It was truly a years-in-the-making win, following New York’s 2019 passage of the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act, which sought to rectify the racist exclusion of farmworkers from union protections under the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, as well as provide unemployment insurance and overtime pay. “They say if you can make it in New York City, you can make it anywhere,” said UFW Secretary-Treasurer Armando Elenes. “We are proud to represent the workers at Brooklyn Grange, who approached the UFW with an interest in organizing a union. While representing workers in urban areas is new for the United Farm Workers, the fundamental mission remains the same: ensuring that the workers who put food on America’s table have the rights, pay, benefits, and dignity they deserve.”
NOVEMBER:
- DACA recipients can begin applying for ACA coverage: Despite the fact that DACA recipients pay billions into federal programs like Social Security and Medicare annually, it was only this year when they became eligible to apply for Affordable Care Act coverage, thanks to a Biden administration rule announced this past spring. “Without access to government-funded programs, insurance options are extremely limited for Dreamers who didn’t get coverage through their jobs, said Drishti Pillai, director of immigrant health policy at KFF, a nonprofit group that researches health policy issues,” NBC News reported in November. Camila Bortolleto, a DACA recipient originally from Brazil, was excited to apply when enrollment opened on November 1. She’d been bitten by a dog but initially declined to go to the emergency room due to fear of the out-of-pocket costs. “It does give me a sense of safety that I will be able to get health insurance while I still look for the next job,” she said. Unfortunately, and quite predictably, a cadre of GOP-led states sued to block these taxpaying, Americans-in-waiting from ACA eligibility. Not only is this cruel, it hurts us as a nation. DACA recipients live and work in our communities and – as the pandemic demonstrated – the health of the community relies on the health of its people. The following month, an appeals court said DACA recipients can continue to apply as litigation is ongoing.
- Blue states stand up for immigrants following 2024 presidential election: Following Election Day results, a growing number of Democratic governors and local leaders from coast to coast have begun to take action to resist Trump’s “bloody” mass deportation agenda and protect undocumented families in their communities and states, including by strengthening safer city ordinances, preventing the use of local resources in mass raids and family separation, and launching the kinds of legal challenges that were often successful during Trump’s first term in office and blocked some of his administration’s worst actions. In Massachusetts, for example, Gov. Maura Healy responded “absolutely not” when asked if state police would aid in mass deportations, and added that the roundup of families in the state would hurt economically and morally. “In terms of mass deportations, to me, it’s just outrageous.” She added that the new Trump administration should expect litigation, saying “that the key here is that every tool in the toolbox is going to be used to protect our citizens, to protect our residents and protect our states, and certainly to hold the line on democracy and the rule of law as a basic principle.” School districts have also been affirming their support for undocumented students, including examining rules around sharing information with ICE. Faith communities have also been affirming their support for immigrant communities. We are continuing to update local and state pushback to mass deportation here, and our “Reclaiming Our Story” initiative here, where we counter harmful narratives and share the real story on immigration.
