California has numerous boasting points: they have lower property tax rates than Texas, Californians tend to be healthier, and the Golden State Is the second best place in the nation for women to achieve economic security -- unless you're Latina.

The Center for American Progress conducted a 50 state analysis of women in the nation showing that women in California are offered paid family leave; have great early childhood education; and they receive paid leave. When placed alongside other states California earned an 'A' and found itself ranked as number four out the nation's 50 states. However, Hispanic women make a mere 44 cents for every dollar a white male makes -- while white women in the state receive 84 cents.

Seventeen percent of the state identify as Hispanic women, meaning that there are 6.6 million individuals receiving lower wages than any race, in any state. The national average for women overall is at 77 cents, though Hispanic women earn only 53 cents. 

Ana Chu, the researcher who conducted the study, stated that the pay gap has a great deal to do with the fact that many women of color are not working in high paying industries. Latinas are working in one of top three industries in California, in social services and retail, and those positions don't have lucrative earning potential.

Income for Latinas has "everything" to do with legal status. The Latina population is poised to surpass white women in the state, and 33 percent of that population is undocumented, according to Census data. Millions of women are "working in the shadows," exploited, and forced to work for minimal pay because of their status. Twenty-six percent of Hispanic women and girls experience poverty in California.

Lower wages persist even when Hispanic women are working in higher paying industries, but the lack of wealth found in lower paying industries create the conditions for illegal status, because these women are unable to afford naturalization.