Releases & Statements

SACRAMENTO, CA - Today, the California Latino Legislative Caucus sent a letter to the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) urging an expedited implementation of Assembly Bill 60 which was signed into law last year.  AB 60, which allows for the issuance of driver’s licenses to undocumented residents, was authored by Assembly Member Luis Alejo (D – Salinas) and co-authored by members of the Latino Caucus. Passage of the bill was a top priority of the Caucus.

SACRAMENTO, CA- The California Latino Legislative Caucus applauds the State Supreme Court for its unanimous decision today to allow for the admission of Sergio Garcia, an undocumented immigrant who passed the bar exam, to the State Bar of California.

SACRAMENTO, CA - The California Latino Legislative Caucus has submitted a supplemental Amicus Brief urging the California Supreme Court to admit Sergio Garcia, an undocumented immigrant who passed the bar exam, to the State Bar of California. This Brief follows in the wake of AB 1024’s successful passage through the legislature.

SACRAMENTO, CA – Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Huntington Park/ Long Beach), Chairman of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, today released the following statement:

“This has been a banner year for the Latino Caucus. We set out to make a difference and were able to make major strides in improving the lives of all Californians by facilitating driver’s licenses for the undocumented community, expanding health care access to the uninsured, and expanding educational opportunities for millions of students.

SACRAMENTO – In light of news reports that the NRA and other extreme right wing Republican organizations are looking to launch recall efforts against five Latino legislators, Senator Ricardo Lara (D–Huntington Park/ Long Beach), Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, has released the following statement:

SACRAMENTO – Following in the wake of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.'s signing of AB 60 which would grant undocumented immigrants a driver's license, today Governor Brown signed seven additional bills that will help the undocumented individuals and students living in this state pursue their higher education and professional careers . Senator Ricardo Lara (D–Huntington Park/ Long Beach), Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, released the following statement:

SACRAMENTO – Senator Ricardo Lara (D–Bell Gardens/ Long Beach), Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus joined legislative leaders, fellow Latino Caucus members, immigrant rights advocates and  Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. at the signing ceremony for AB 60 authored by Assemblymember Luis Alejo (D-Salinas) today and released the following statement:

“I am proud to stand beside my colleagues and join Governor Brown on a day that will be remembered in history as a victory for California.

SACRAMENTO – Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Long Beach) released the statement below welcoming Freddie Rodriguez to the California State Legislature:

“As Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, I would like to extend my congratulations and welcome to our newest caucus member Freddie Rodriguez! We look forward to working with you to advocate on behalf of the professional, educational, social, political and cultural interests of the Latino Community and the working families in our state.”

SACRAMENTO, CA – Leaders of the California Latino Legislative Caucus issued the statement below in support of AB 1024 by Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego). This measure, which is co-authored by the Latino Caucus, permits the State Supreme Court to admit as an attorney any applicant who has fulfilled all requirements for a law license notwithstanding their undocumented status. The bill passed out of the Assembly tonight and heads to Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. for his consideration:

SACRAMENTO – California Latino members of the California State Senate today are spearheading the passage of AB 60 (Alejo). The bill aims to provide undocumented residents in California with a valid driver’s license.

Since 2001, the Legislature has sought to allow the issuance of driver’s licenses to the undocumented immigrant community. This year, AB 60 advanced through the legislative process with a broad coalition of support including advocacy groups, labor and law enforcement.  However, recent amendments stalled the passage of this bill.