Key Takeaways
• California offers Medi-Cal to many non-citizens, including undocumented immigrants meeting income and residency rules.
• Since 2015, AB 60 licenses allow undocumented immigrants to drive legally with protections against immigration inquiries.
• From November 2024, DACA recipients gain ACA Marketplace coverage but face federal uncertainty after March 2025.
California has long stood out for its inclusive approach to non-citizens, offering a wide range of benefits and protections that go beyond what many other states provide. As of July 2025, the state’s policies on healthcare, driver’s licenses, and public benefits reflect a commitment to supporting all residents, regardless of immigration status. This detailed guide explains what non-citizens in California can expect, who qualifies for which programs, and how these policies affect daily life.
Who Are Non-Citizens in California?
Non-citizens are people living in the United States 🇺🇸 who are not U.S. citizens. This group includes:
– Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
– People with temporary visas (like students or workers)
– Refugees and asylees
– Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients
– Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders
– Undocumented immigrants (those without legal status)
California’s policies often use the term “non-citizens” to cover all these groups, but some benefits are only for certain categories. Understanding which group you belong to is important for knowing what help you can get.
Healthcare for Non-Citizens in California
Medi-Cal: State-Funded Health Coverage
Medi-Cal is California’s version of Medicaid, the public health insurance program for people with low incomes. Unlike most states, California offers Medi-Cal to many non-citizens, including undocumented immigrants, as long as they meet income and residency rules.
Who can get Medi-Cal?
– Children and young adults under 26, regardless of immigration status
– Adults aged 50 and older, regardless of immigration status
– Pregnant women, regardless of immigration status
– Other adults who meet income limits, including some undocumented immigrants
How is this possible?
Federal law usually blocks undocumented immigrants from Medicaid, but California uses its own money to cover these groups. This means that even if you’re undocumented, you may qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal, which covers doctor visits, hospital care, mental health, and more.
How to apply:
– You can apply for Medi-Cal online, by mail, or in person at your county social services office.
– You’ll need to show proof of California residency and income.
– Immigration status is not a barrier for the groups listed above.
Special program: Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)
Some non-citizens who are aged, blind, or disabled can’t get federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) because of their immigration status. California offers CAPI, a state-funded program that gives monthly cash payments similar to SSI. CAPI recipients can also apply for Medi-Cal, CalFresh (food help), and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS).
Important: CAPI is only for people who can’t get SSI due to their immigration status. You can learn more and apply through the California Department of Social Services.
ACA Marketplace Coverage and DACA Recipients
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, also called Covered California, lets people buy health insurance and get help paying for it. In most states, only “lawfully present” immigrants can use the Marketplace.
Recent changes:
– Starting November 1, 2024, DACA recipients are considered “lawfully present” for ACA Marketplace coverage. This means about 100,000 DACA recipients nationwide can now buy insurance and get subsidies if they qualify.
– This change is important for DACA recipients in California, who can now get the same help as other lawfully present immigrants.
Caution: This rule is being challenged in court, and federal officials have proposed reversing it in March 2025. If that happens, DACA recipients could lose access to ACA Marketplace coverage. For now, California continues to support coverage for DACA recipients, but future changes are possible.
Other lawfully present immigrants: People with green cards, TPS, refugee or asylee status, and certain visas can also use the ACA Marketplace and get subsidies if they meet income rules.
How to apply: Visit Covered California to check your eligibility and apply for coverage.
Future Challenges
Federal proposals for 2026 and beyond may limit ACA Marketplace eligibility for many lawfully present immigrants, including asylees, refugees, and TPS holders. California’s state-funded programs may continue to fill some gaps, but changes at the federal level could affect coverage options for many non-citizens.
Key takeaway: California offers some of the broadest healthcare access for non-citizens in the United States 🇺🇸, but it’s important to stay updated on federal policy changes that could impact your coverage.
Driver’s Licenses for Non-Citizens in California
AB 60 Driver’s Licenses: For Those Without Legal Status
Since 2015, California has allowed people who cannot prove legal presence in the United States 🇺🇸 to get a driver’s license under the AB 60 program. This is especially important for undocumented immigrants, who need to drive to work, school, and other daily activities.
How does AB 60 work?
– You must prove your identity (with a foreign passport, consular ID, or other approved documents).
– You must prove you live in California (with a utility bill, lease, or similar document).
– You must pass the written knowledge test (offered in over 40 languages).
– You must pass a behind-the-wheel driving test.
– If your documents are unclear, you may have a secondary review.
– Once approved, you’ll get your license by mail.
Important protections:
– By law, police and other officials cannot use an AB 60 license to question you about your immigration status.
– Employers and businesses cannot discriminate against you for having an AB 60 license.
What’s different about an AB 60 license?
– It looks almost the same as a regular license but says “Federal Limits Apply.”
– It cannot be used for federal purposes, like boarding a plane or entering federal buildings.
Where to apply: Visit the California DMV AB 60 page for step-by-step instructions and a checklist.
REAL ID: For Non-Citizens With Legal Status
The REAL ID is a special driver’s license or ID card that meets federal security standards. You need a REAL ID to fly within the United States 🇺🇸 or enter certain federal buildings.
Who can get a REAL ID?
– U.S. citizens
– Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
– People with temporary legal status (like DACA, TPS, or valid student/work visas)
How does it work for non-citizens?
– You must show proof of your legal status in the United States 🇺🇸.
– If your status is temporary, your REAL ID will expire when your legal status ends.
– You can renew your REAL ID if you extend your legal status.
Key point: Undocumented immigrants cannot get a REAL ID, but they can still get an AB 60 license to drive legally in California.
Other State-Level Benefits and Restrictions
Public Benefits for Non-Citizens
California offers many public benefits to non-citizens, including some programs that are not available in most other states.
Benefits available to all non-citizens (including undocumented immigrants):
– In-state tuition and financial aid: Under Assembly Bill 540, undocumented students who attend California high schools can pay in-state tuition at public colleges and may qualify for state financial aid.
– CalFresh (food assistance): Some non-citizens, including certain undocumented immigrants, can get help buying food if they meet income and residency rules.
– Medi-Cal and other health services: As explained above, many non-citizens can get health coverage through state-funded Medi-Cal.
Benefits with more restrictions:
– Some programs, like federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or certain housing benefits, require lawful permanent resident status or specific visa types.
– California often uses state funds to help non-citizens who are left out of federal programs, but not all benefits are available to everyone.
Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI):
– CAPI gives monthly cash payments to aged, blind, or disabled non-citizens who can’t get SSI because of their immigration status.
– You can apply for CAPI even if you have been denied SSI.
– Recent changes have made it easier for some people to qualify, especially if they had problems with sponsor income information in the past.
How to apply: Visit the California Department of Social Services CAPI page for more information.
Rights and Protections for Non-Citizens
California law protects non-citizens from discrimination and unfair treatment in many areas of life.
Key protections include:
– Driver’s licenses: Police and other officials cannot use an AB 60 license to ask about your immigration status.
– Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics cannot deny emergency care based on immigration status.
– Education: All children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to attend public schools.
– Workplace: Employers cannot discriminate based on immigration status for state-provided benefits or licenses.
If you feel your rights have been violated, you can contact local legal aid organizations or immigrant advocacy groups for help.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Maria, an undocumented mother
Maria has lived in California for 10 years. She works cleaning houses and has two children in public school. Thanks to AB 60, she has a driver’s license and can drive her kids to school and doctor’s appointments without fear. She also gets Medi-Cal for herself and her children, which covers regular checkups and emergency care.
Example 2: David, a DACA recipient
David came to the United States 🇺🇸 as a child and has DACA status. He recently learned he can now buy health insurance through Covered California and get help paying for it. He also has a REAL ID, which lets him fly within the country for work.
Example 3: Ana, a green card holder
Ana is a lawful permanent resident. She gets Medi-Cal because her income is low and has a REAL ID driver’s license. Her mother, who is undocumented and over 50, also gets Medi-Cal thanks to California’s expanded coverage.
Practical Steps for Non-Citizens
If you are a non-citizen living in California, here’s what you can do to access benefits and protect your rights:
- Gather documents: Keep proof of your identity, California residency, and income. These are needed for most programs.
- Check eligibility: Visit official websites or talk to local social services to see which programs you qualify for.
- Apply online or in person: Many programs, like Medi-Cal and CalFresh, have easy online applications.
- Renew benefits on time: Keep track of renewal dates for health coverage, driver’s licenses, and other benefits.
- Stay informed: Laws and rules can change. Follow updates from trusted sources like California’s official government websites.
- Seek help if needed: Legal aid groups and immigrant advocacy organizations can help you understand your rights and fill out applications.
Key Stakeholders and Official Positions
Several state agencies and organizations play important roles in supporting non-citizens in California:
- California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Runs the AB 60 and REAL ID programs, making sure non-citizens can get driver’s licenses safely.
- California Department of Social Services (CDSS): Manages CAPI, CalFresh, and other public benefits for immigrants.
- Covered California: The state’s ACA Marketplace, helping people buy health insurance and get subsidies.
- State lawmakers and immigrant advocacy groups: Continue to push for broader access to healthcare, driver’s licenses, and public benefits for all immigrants, regardless of status.
The Biden administration has expanded ACA Marketplace eligibility for DACA recipients, but this is being challenged in court. California officials remain committed to supporting non-citizens, even as federal rules change.
Comparing California to Other States
California is one of the most welcoming states for non-citizens. Many other states do not allow undocumented immigrants to get driver’s licenses or access public health programs. In contrast, California uses its own funds to fill gaps left by federal restrictions.
For example:
– Only about 19 states allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver’s license. California’s AB 60 program is one of the largest and most established.
– Few states offer state-funded health coverage to undocumented adults. California’s Medi-Cal expansion is unique in covering children, young adults, and seniors regardless of status.
– Many states limit in-state tuition and financial aid to citizens or lawful residents, but California’s AB 540 opens doors for undocumented students.
Staying Up to Date
Immigration laws and benefits can change quickly. It’s important for non-citizens to:
– Check official government websites for the latest information
– Talk to local legal aid or immigrant support groups
– Read updates from trusted news sources
As reported by VisaVerge.com, California’s policies are among the most inclusive in the country, but ongoing federal debates could affect access to healthcare and other benefits in the future.
Conclusion: What Non-Citizens Should Remember
California offers broad support for non-citizens, including undocumented immigrants, in areas like healthcare, driver’s licenses, and public benefits. While federal laws set some limits, the state uses its own money and policies to help as many people as possible. If you are a non-citizen in California, you have options to get health coverage, drive legally, and support your family. Keep your documents ready, stay informed about policy changes, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it.
For more details on specific programs, visit the California Department of Social Services or the California DMV AB 60 page. These official resources can guide you through applications and answer your questions about eligibility and requirements.
Learn Today
Medi-Cal → California’s public health insurance program offering coverage to low-income individuals, including many non-citizens.
AB 60 Driver’s License → A California license for individuals without legal immigration status to drive legally with certain protections.
DACA → Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program providing temporary immigration relief to eligible undocumented youth.
ACA Marketplace → Health insurance exchange established under the Affordable Care Act where individuals can buy subsidized plans.
CAPI → Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants; state-funded monthly payments for aged, blind, or disabled non-citizens.
This Article in a Nutshell
California provides extensive benefits to non-citizens, including healthcare and driver’s licenses irrespective of status. AB 60 licenses and Medi-Cal expansions show the state’s unique commitment. DACA recipients gain ACA Marketplace access starting late 2024, though federal challenges remain. Staying informed is crucial for navigating these evolving policies in California.
— By VisaVerge.com
