Editor’s note: This is one of seven issue-focused voter’s guides based on data from the City College Community Agenda. Check back often for the rest of the guides and the latest City Times Media election-related news and information.

San Diego City College bioengineering major Yuly Mendez looks at the issue of immigration through the lens of a scientist.

“I believe that there should be immigration reform to allow anybody with Indigenous American descent or DNA to get a pathway to citizenship,” Mendez told City Times Media in April. 

Immigration reform is one of the top concerns of City College students, faculty, staff and community members, according to the City College Community Agenda. Thirty-seven percent of people who filled out the survey said this topic was a priority.

The City College Community Agenda compiles the responses to a survey completed by students, faculty, staff and community members. It is designed to identify issues and elicit questions that City Times Media reporters use to engage political candidates and focus their election reporting.

To survey respondents, immigration reform includes focusing on the lengthy and difficult immigration process and the need to support undocumented individuals who want to contribute to society.     

Despite a third of the survey results emphasizing immigration reform, no propositions or measures are currently on the ballot. Though not directly related to immigration, Proposition 6 and Proposition 2 focus on important reforms for incarcerated people and students.

Below is the City Times Media voter’s guide for those concerned about immigration reform.

State Propositions: 

Proposition 6

This proposition seeks to remove the constitutional provision that allows involuntary servitude as a punishment for incarcerated persons in California. — California Official Voter Information Guide

• Prop 6 – Eliminates Constitutional Provision Allowing Involuntary Servitude for Incarcerated Persons. Legislative Constitutional Amendment
• California Proposition 6, Remove Involuntary Servitude as Punishment for Crime Amendment (2024)

Fiscal Impact: 

Potential increase or decrease in state and local costs, depending on how work for people in state prison and county jail changes. Any effect likely would not exceed the tens of millions of dollars annually. — California Official Voter Information Guide

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Proposition 2

Authorizes $10 billion in general obligation bonds for repair, upgrade, and construction of facilities at K–12 public schools (including charter schools), community colleges, and career technical education programs, including for improvement of health and safety conditions and classroom upgrades. Requires annual audits. — California Official Voter Information Guide

• Prop 2 – Authorized Bonds for Public School and Community College Facilities. Legislative Statute 
• California Proposition 2, Public Education Facilities Bond Measure (2024)

Fiscal Impact: 

Increased state costs of about $500 million annually for 35 years to repay the bond.