The 2024‑25 Budget

Department of Social Services
Immigration and Equity Programs

Summary

For 2024-25, the Governor’s budget proposes approximately $50 million General Fund to support certain immigration and equity programs at the Department of Social Services (DSS). This is roughly $247 million (83 percent) lower than estimated 2023-24 General Fund funding levels. The primary drivers of this decrease include the expiration of one-time funding for the Rapid Response and Stop the Hate programs. Additionally, to address the projected budget shortfall, the Governor’s budget includes proposed reductions to California State University (CSU) Immigration Legal Services ($5.2 million in 2023-24) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) immigration services ($10 million in 2023-24). This post does not cover other federally funded programs for immigrants and refugees.

Background

State Has Funded Some Level of Immigration Services at DSS Since 2015-16. Although the state has provided some level of funding for immigration services since 2015-16, ongoing General Fund support of $45 million has been provided since 2017-18. By providing funding to a statewide network of nonprofits (93 organizations funded in 2022-23), the Immigration Services Funding (ISF) program provides free services to immigrants under three broad categories: (1) legal services, (2) education and outreach, and (3) legal training and technical assistance. In addition to this base funding, the department has received one-time, temporary funding for other immigration and equity programs detailed in Figure 1. As shown in the figure, many previously state funded programs designed to support immigrant populations are set to expire in the budget year. Additionally, the Governor’s budget proposes a few reductions to immigration and equity programs. We describe these other programs, as well as proposed reductions to some of them, below.

TPS Immigration Services

In 2018-19, State Expanded Funding to Prioritize Services for Hard-To-Reach Populations. Since 2018-19, the state has provided an annual allocation of $10 million General Fund to supplement ISF services and specifically support hard-to-reach populations through the TPS immigration services program. TPS immigration services provides services beyond those for TPS individuals, this includes funding to increase the capacity to support Black immigrants, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) immigrants, and those facing deportation proceedings. TPS immigration services provides legal training and technical assistance to county public defender offices, removal defense services, and legal services for deported veterans.

Governor’s Budget Proposes Elimination of TPS Immigration Services Funding. The Governors 2024-25 budget proposes a reduction of $10 million General Fund in 2023-24 and ongoing, effectively eliminating state funding for the TPS immigration services program. Despite this reduction, it is our understanding that core immigration services across the state, including those for Black and AAPI immigrants which were previously supported by TPS funding, will continue to be supported through the base ISF program. However, according to the administration, the elimination of TPS immigration services funding may result in fewer immigrants receiving legal services overall. The magnitude of service reductions will likely depend on the ability of previously state-funded immigration service providers to secure alternative funding, such as philanthropy or local government funds. With this in mind, and as the remaining TPS funds are spent down, the Legislature may want to understand and monitor potential reductions in total immigrants served.

California State University Immigration Legal Services

In 2018-19, State Expanded Funding for Immigrant Populations Across CSU Campuses. Since 2018-19, the state has provided an annual allocation of $7 million General Fund to provide immigration legal services at all 23 CSU campuses through the California State University Immigration Services Project (CISP). These funds are allocated to DSS, who contracts with legal service organizations to provide these services generally free of charge. CISP serves students, staff, and faculty, as well as, immediate family members, alumni within two years of graduation, and students intending to enroll. Services include legal consultations, assistance in applying for immigration benefits, and representation in court and administrative proceedings. CISP also provides general information and education on immigration benefits, processes, and policies.

Governor’s Budget Proposes $5.2 Million Reduction for CSU Immigration Legal Services. The Governor’s budget proposes a reduction of $5.2 million to CSU Immigration Legal Services in 2023-24 and ongoing. The proposal leaves $1.8 million in ongoing funding for CISP. It is our understanding from the administration that this level of funding brings funding in line with University of California legal services funding levels. Since 2018-19, CISP has awarded over $27 million to six nonprofit organizations that have provided direct legal services to over 19,000 individuals, as well as, education and outreach services to over 20,000 individuals. The proposed reduction in funding will reduce the number of individuals CISP is able to serve. The department has stated that they will work together with the CSU Chancellors office and partnered legal service providers, over the coming months, to assess the program design and determine the most effective service delivery model moving forward. We are working with the administration to better understand if there are unspent prior-year funds that could be reverted to achieve General Fund savings.

Rapid Response

Governor’s Budget Proposes No New Funding for Emergency Services for Immigrants Ineligible for Federal Funds. Over the past three budget years, the state has provided a total of $430 million dollars in Rapid Response Funding (RRF)—in three consecutive one-time allocations—to support immigrants who are often ineligible for federal funds due to their immigration status. Of the $430 million allocated, over $422 million has been awarded to nonprofit organizations and contracted vendors supporting immigrant populations. Figure 2 shows examples of recent RRF funded programs, including those supporting the increase of migrant arrivals at the southwest border, supporting natural disaster relief efforts for immigrant’s ineligible for federal assistance, and supporting immigrant needs arising from changes in federal immigration policies. The 2024-25 budget proposes no additional RRF. Without additional funding, RRF services will be discontinued once authorized funds are exhausted.

Stop the Hate

Stop the Hate Program Serves Victims of Hate Incidents and Their Families. The Stop the Hate program provides services in three broad areas: (1) direct services for victims of hate incidents and their families including legal services, health and mental health services, and community healing; (2) prevention services including youth development and senior safety programs; and (3) intervention services including outreach, restorative justice, and coordination with local governments. As of December 2023, the Stop the Hate program has provided direct services to over 14,000 individuals and provided prevention and intervention services or resources to over 2 million individuals.

Stop the Hate Funding Available Through June 2026. In 2020-21, the state allocated $110 million dollars over three years ($30 million in 2021-22, $40 million in 2022-23, and $40 million in 2023-24) to fund nonprofit organizations providing services and supports to victims of hate incidents and their families. An additional $40 million of one-time funds was allocated in 2023-24, bringing 2023-24 Stop the Hate funding to $80 million available for use through June 30, 2026. No new funding is proposed for Stop the Hate in 2024-25.