AB 91 and the dream of affordable education without borders — and what comes next

2026-03-27

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In today’s episode, the Port of Entry team follows the journey of how California Assembly Bill 91 came to fruition. We explore the importance of the law and the challenges it now faces.We meet with influential community members who pushed this bill and impacted regional education: Mitzi Salgado, educator and founder of the Transfronterizo Institute; California Assemblymember David Alvarez, represents the 80th District; and Joel Pilco, director of binational and international programs at Southwestern College.This episode highlights how these leaders came together to put forward the b...

In today’s episode, the Port of Entry team follows the journey of how California Assembly Bill 91 came to fruition. We explore the importance of the law and the challenges it now faces.

We meet with influential community members who pushed this bill and impacted regional education: Mitzi Salgado, educator and founder of the Transfronterizo Institute; California Assemblymember David Alvarez, represents the 80th District; and Joel Pilco, director of binational and international programs at Southwestern College.

This episode highlights how these leaders came together to put forward the bill, mobilized community support and the exchange Alvarez had with California Gov. Gavin Newsom to secure its passage.

AB 91 offers new opportunities for the transborder community, creating a pathway to more affordable education for those living south of the border.

However, with this hope comes a set of challenges

Mentioned in this episode:

California Assembly Bill 91
California Gov. Gavin Newsom
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott

Heard in this episode:

AB-91 PSA by The Cultura Media

About Season 6

Port of Entry has a fresh new season for you, with richer stories of our border region.

This season spotlights shapers and visionaries of the borderlands — people impacting the region, and in some cases the world, with their work and research.

From urbanism and architecture to education, and politics, to art and robotics, these stories explore the region’s most innovative voices.

Listen in and join us!

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Credits

Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González

Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz-Franco