New Poll Finds Strong Majority of California Support Immigrants and their Access to Critical State Safety Net Services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2025
Contact: Press Office, California Community Foundation
Email: press@calfund.org
Sacramento, CA – Despite an onslaught of anti-immigrant rhetoric and federal policies, a new poll reveals that California voters continue to view undocumented immigrants as essential to the state and want the Governor and legislators to guarantee them the same access to essential safety net state services as other low-income Californians.
The recent statewide poll was commissioned by the California Community Foundation and conducted by David Binder Research. The poll of 800 likely voters found 59% support for guaranteeing all low income Californians access to safety net services like healthcare and worker benefits, regardless of immigration status. The poll also found 55% support for expanding access to these critical programs.
When individual services are called out, support moves even higher:
- Access to affordable health care, including through Covered California and MediCal, regardless of immigration status. (68% of voters support)
- Access to state food assistance programs for families, regardless of immigration status. (64% of voters support)
- Eligibility for worker benefits, such as disability and family leave, regardless of immigration status. (60% of voters support)
- Eligibility for California Earned Income and Young Child Tax Credits, regardless of immigration status. (58% of voters support)
“As state leaders begin to make choices about state and budget priorities, we encourage them to follow the data – not the rhetoric,” said CEO and President of the California Community Foundation Miguel Santana. “These findings prove that for Californians, the issue of immigration is not political or ideological, but personal and informed by the intrinsic role they see immigrants playing in their daily quality of life.”
Voters remain steadfast in their support, with 57% of voters still backing access to services even when told that federal funding could be withheld if the state provides services to undocumented immigrants.
The poll also found that on issues of national policy, Californians are unwavering in their support of immigrant communities. There is overwhelming support, even from Republicans, on a pathway to citizenship – with 82% of voters in support of comprehensive reform. Further, a 60% majority of California voters oppose mass deportation, citing the economic and human impacts it would have on the state.
Survey Methodology
David Binder Research (DBR) conducted a survey of 800 voters in California who voted in November 2024, utilizing information from the voter file. The survey was conducted between March 19th and 24th, 2025. The margin of error for the full sample is ±3.5%. Voters were interviewed by cell phone, landline, and online (email and text to web). Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish, at the choice of the respondent.
DBR also conducted in person focus groups in Fresno, Los Angeles, San Ramon, and Riverside with a mix of voters, including Democrats, NPPs, and Latino Trump voters. Additional polling information on results and methodology can be found here.
About the California Community Foundation (CCF):
Since 1915, CCF has served Los Angeles County as a public charitable organization dedicated to leading systemic change that strengthens communities. Managing $2.3 billion in assets and overseeing 1,900 charitable foundations, funds and legacies, CCF’s mission is to invest in, partner with and amplify the power of community toward a good life. For more information, visit www.calfund.org.