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

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! Social media and contact From KPBS, Port of Entry tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at Facebook : Instagram: Support our show at Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift. If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org. Text or call the Port of Entry team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show, or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org. Credits Hosts : Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz-Franco Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos Editor: Chrissy Nguyen Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette

You can listen to AB 91 and the dream of affordable education without borders — and what comes next online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

AB 91 and the dream of affordable education without borders — and what comes next is an episode from Port of Entry by KPBS.

This episode is 00:31:24 long.

This episode was published on Mar 27, 2026.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from Port of Entry when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.