Who is affected by undocumented status, and how long undocumented residents have called the Central Coast home

Settlement data across the tri-county region shows that both lawful permanent residents and undocumented immigrants have lived in the Central Coast for decades, yet their access to stability and opportunity diverges sharply based on legal status alone. A significant portion of lawful permanent residents had been in the U.S. for more than 20 years in 2021: 48 percent in San Luis Obispo, 52 percent in Ventura, and 45 percent in Santa Barbara. Among them, at least one-third in Ventura and over a quarter in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara had lived in the U.S. for more than 30 years. These immigrants represent a critical part of the Central Coast’s labor force.

Undocumented immigrants tend to be more recent arrivals. Nearly half arrived within the last two decades, having lived in the U.S. between 11 and 20 years: 48 percent in San Luis Obispo and Ventura, and 41 percent in Santa Barbara. Yet many have put down deep roots: 21 to 22 percent had lived here for more than 20 years. About seven in ten undocumented residents across the region had been in the U.S. for more than a decade in 2021.

Years of residence have not translated into equal stability or opportunity. Expanding access to legal pathways, work authorization, and social services is essential for ensuring that all immigrants, longstanding and newly arrived, can contribute fully to their communities and to the region’s future.

Insights & Analyses: San Luis Obispo County

• About 70 percent of undocumented San Luis Obispo County residents have been in the US for more than a decade.

Insights & Analyses: Santa Barbara County

• About 71 percent of undocumented Santa Barbara County residents have been in the US for more than a decade.

Insights & Analyses: Ventura County

• About 78 percent of undocumented Ventura County residents have been in the US for more than a decade.