Updates - Communities for Our Colleges

Harvest Under Pressure: Connecting Immigration, Labor, and the Fight for Student Equity in Washington

In Eastern Washington’s vast farmlands—where apple orchards and hop fields feed our state’s economy—farmworkers are facing a growing storm. Behind every harvest are families whose lives are shaped by shifting immigration policies, unstable labor programs, and the constant fear of deportation.

KING 5’s Facing Race special, “Harvest Under Pressure,” takes viewers inside this reality. It shines a light on the human cost of federal immigration enforcement and how these policies ripple across Washington’s rural communities. The documentary captures the voices of farmworkers who sustain our multibillion-dollar agricultural industry yet live under daily uncertainty, and of farmers struggling to find stable labor amid tightening regulations.

But this crisis doesn’t stop at the fields. It reaches into classrooms and campuses across our state.

Students Rally to Defend Higher Education Funding in Washington

On April 7, 2025, students, educators, and community leaders from across Washington State came together on the steps of the Capitol in Olympia to demand one clear message from lawmakers: no cuts to higher education.

Organized in partnership with the Washington Student Association and the Washington Bus, the Communities for Our Colleges (C4C) team mobilized students from Yakima, Pasco, Spokane, Everett, Tacoma, and Seattle for a Financial Day of Action. The rally called attention to proposals that would slash higher education funding, reduce financial aid, and increase tuition costs.

Students Across WA Demand: No Budget Cuts! Yes to Investments in Higher Education!

On President’s Day, Communities for Our Colleges (C4C) brought together students from throughout Washington state to Olympia to advocate for Free College for All, opportunities for undocumented students, and increased investment in higher education! Over 150 students, faculty, staff, families, and community members joined forces to send a message to our elected officials: No Budget Cuts! Invest in Higher Education! Invest in Our Futures!

Student Leaders Fighting Against Austerity: Invest in Our Future!

Olympia, WA – On MLK Day, students, educators, community leaders, and advocates all over Washington State came together to advocate for our legislative agenda that includes: Expanding access to free college, paid opportunities for undocumented students, expansion of mental health, and deeper investments in wrap-around services. More than 130 people joined Communities for Our Colleges to meet with legislators, rally together for free college, and push for a vision beyond austerity.

“Attending C4C’s first Lobby Day of the year was thrilling. It was inspiring to see everyone from across the state come together and have a voice on issues that impact our community. It was such an amazing experience to be able to be educated on democracy and be in spaces where our communities are usually not seen. Being able to represent Purple Group was also great! Our members had a great time and would like to thank C4C for inviting us!” – Karina Cruz, student leader

The Year in Pictures: Highlights from 2024

2024 was a busy year for Communities for Our Colleges. At the center of our work is outreach, education, and training that builds student leadership and power. This work included: Organizing in 14 community college campuses across WA, 124 student leaders trained to share their stories, outreach that engaged 8369 students and parents, and 12 student fellowships.

All of this resulted in 20 earned media stories in 2024, 4,000+ signatures delivered on a letter to Governor Inslee, 50k+ reach on social media, 120 stories collected, 54 students testifying at public hearings, our first action day with more than 130 students, parents, and faculty members attending, and our first grassroots leadership conference.

HB 1889: Professional Licenses for All WA’s Immigrants

In 2024, the WA state legislature passed HB 1889, which clarifies the rules for professional licenses to allow all qualified residents, regardless of immigration status, to apply for and receive professional licenses. Further, a state agency or authority cannot deny an application solely on the basis of a person’s immigration status if the person has met all other qualifications.

In this post, we provide basic information that address some questions including what it is, what it does, and our understanding of what it allows regarding employment. DISCLAIMER: This is not legal advice. If you are someone that has a question regarding immigration status and employment, please consult with an immigration attorney.

Press Release: Gov. Inslee Signed Expanded Access to Professional Licenses for All Immigrants

Gov. Inslee signs Substitute House Bill No. 1889 – March 13, 2024. Relating to allowing persons to receive professional licenses and certifications regardless of immigration or citizenship status. Primary Sponsor: Rep. Walen

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Contact: Fernando Mejia Ledesma | fernando@juststrategy.org

Communities for Our College Campaign: Gov. Inslee Signed Expanded Access to Professional Licenses for All Immigrants

Today, Governor J. Inslee signed SHB 1889 into law. This bill expands access to professional licenses to all immigrants in WA state. Students, faculty, and staff members at various community & technical colleges rallied together around this proposal.

MLK Action Day: #FreeCollegeforAll!

On MLK Day, students from across all of Washington joined together to advocate for Cost-Free College including wrap-around services and advising programs as well as professional licensure for all Washington immigrants. With over 120 attendees, students, faculty and community gathered, participated in a rally, and led the conversations with their local representatives and senators. There was a collective feeling of empowerment among participants, as they came together to advocate for Cost-Free College and professional licensure.

Press Release: Gov. Inslee Signed Expansion of Working Connections for Immigrant Families

Governor Inslee signs Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5225, May 1, 2023. Relating to increasing access to the working connections child care program. Primary Sponsor: Sen. Wilson

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Contact: Fernando Mejia Ledesma | fernando@juststrategy.org

Communities for Our College Campaign: Gov. Inslee Signed Expansion of Working Connections for Immigrant Families

Yesterday, Governor J. Inslee signed SSB 5225 into law. This legislation makes important adjustments to eligibility for the Working Connections Child Care program. While Washington State encourages its undocumented population to attend college through its student aid system, it has simultaneously discouraged this participation by denying many of them access to childcare support. SSB 5225 rectifies this inequity.

Report: Working Connections – The Need to Expand Child Care Access to Undocumented Students in Washington State

Child care is essential for student parents to succeed. Research shows that affordable, accessible child care plays an important role in helping student parents stay in school. But it’s becoming harder and harder for them to afford both child care and tuition. This report from Communities for Our Colleges documents the challenges to obtaining child care by undocumented students and key policy recommendations to overcome them.

Download the Report