California Immigration Laws: What’s New and How They Impact You [2025 Updated]

In the year 2025, there are broad and sweeping changes that impact both immigration and enforcement and border policy. This legislation is not only impacting how non-citizens experience the immigration system in California and across the nation, but also threatening to completely restructure society. By understanding changes in California immigration laws, immigrants in the state can work to protect their rights and interests.

In the wake of the devastating June 2025 ICE raids in Los Angeles, recently passed legislation means billions of dollars in federal funding intended to dramatically expand these operations, increasing the risk of unlawful arrests and detentions, as well as restricting access to humanitarian protections. Immigrants may also be facing higher hurdles than ever before due to unprecedented fees on immigration benefits.

Experienced Immigration Attorneys in Southern California

With sweeping changes to immigration enforcement and border policy taking effect in July 2025, it’s important to understand what exactly has changed and what that means for California residents, especially those in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. At Karlin & Karlin, APC, our firm is deeply rooted in California and has demonstrated a commitment to justice for immigrants across this state.

Despite these dramatic shifts in the immigration landscape, we are eager to help you navigate these challenging times with strong legal representation and clarity. Whether you or your loved one is seeking humanitarian protection, is worried about ICE raids, or has been detained and needs representation, hire an immigration lawyer from our team to get the informed and aggressive representation you deserve.

California’s Role in New Federal Immigration Crackdowns

According to May 2025 data, 3,199 people were detained by ICE in California, making up a notable proportion of the 28,896 bookings across the nation. Furthermore, San Francisco’s area office was number one in the country in ICE’s Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program, monitoring 20,397 individuals. The Los Angeles office ranked number four in the US, reporting 15,795 cases being monitored.

With the 2025 reconciliation bills being passed by Congress in July 2025, these detention figures are expected to surge even higher. H.R.1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed by the President on July 7, which will move public funds of over $170 billion into border and immigration enforcement in the coming years. These funds will have a telling impact on Californians.

Key Changes in 2025 Immigration Law That Affect Californians

1. Massive Increases in Immigration-Related Spending

   Congress has passed budget-related legislation through the reconciliation process, using only a simple majority to approve massive immigration enforcement funds without adequate oversight. This effectively means:

   • $29.9 billion to expand arrests, transportation, and deportations carried out by ICE
   • $45 billion towards building and maintaining new detention facilities, which are set to include family detention centers
   • $13.5 billion for reimbursing localities and states like California for costs related to enforcement
   • $10 billion to DHS for a flexible Border Enforcement Fund

   While the administration claims to have a goal of increasing boarding security, these funds in practice will allow ICE to expand enforcement activities and detention operations across the state of California with no parallel increases in humanitarian or judicial resources. For example, the number of immigration judges has been capped at 800, just slightly higher than the 700 judges currently handling over 2 million cases across the nation.

2. Surging Immigration Application and Relief Fees

   For California’s immigrant communities, the leading concern is the alarming rise in fees related to immigration applications and processes. These fees make it more difficult for low-income or low-resource individuals and families to get access to the legal relief they need, exacerbating delays in an already damaged system. This means the following things should be taken into account:

   • Asylum seekers are now required to pay $100 to file, plus $100 for each year that their application is pending.
   • For asylum applicants to apply for a work permit, they need to pay $550, and renewals will cost $275, even if delays in their application are due to backlogs.
   • TPS applicants will need to pay $500.
   • Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) petitions now come with a fee of $250.

   Unfortunately, most of these fees cannot be waived, even for populations that are vulnerable, such as survivors of violence or children.

3. Expanded State-Federal Collaboration in Enforcement

   This federal legislation comes with $3.5 billion to support cooperation with ICE authorities at both the state and local levels. Local jurisdictions may be pressured under this federal funding to collaborate with ICE or, at least, lease out some facilities for detention.

   As there have been no uniform standards established, local jails and private contractors are able to keep individuals detained with limited oversight, increasing the risk of subhuman conditions and breach of human rights. Given ICE’s documented history of inadequate medical care, misuse of solitary confinement, abuse, and overcrowding, this is especially troubling.

   In places like Los Angeles, where there’s already a strain on community trust in law enforcement, tensions are likely to escalate as immigration arrests become not only more aggressive but also more widespread.

FAQs

Q: What Are the New Immigration Application Fees in 2025?

A: As of July 2025, immigration application fees have significantly increased. For example, applicants for asylum will now be required to pay $100 to submit their application and an additional $100 per year that the application is pending. Furthermore, they will be required to pay $550 for a work permit. TPS and SIJS applications are also coming with new fees. Waivers for fees have been generally eliminated

Q: How Will the 2025 Reconciliation Bills Affect Immigration in California?

A: The 2025 reconciliation bills that passed in July will affect immigration in California on all levels. As these bills are injecting billions into ICE arrests in detention and state collaboration, this means that there will most likely be a surge in raids and arrests in California communities. It is highly recommended to work with an experienced immigration attorney to understand how these laws may impact you.

Q: What Should I Do if I’m Facing Immigration Enforcement in California?

A: If you are facing immigration enforcement in California, time is of the essence. You should get in contact with a dedicated and experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible. They can understand the specific details of your case and the risks you may be facing and help you take concrete steps to protect your rights, future, and ability to stay in the United States.

Q: Will Immigration Court Backlogs Get Worse?

A: Yes, immigration court backlogs will likely get worse as of July 2025. As new federal legislation has capped the number of immigration judges, leading to a surge in arrests and detentions, this means that delays will likely be inevitable, particularly in courts like San Francisco and Los Angeles, where volume is already high.

Hire an Immigration Lawyer From Karlin & Karlin, APC, Today

Karlin & Karlin, APC, is ready to tirelessly defend you in a system designed to dehumanize and exhaust you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get the support you need.