UCR ENGINEERING does not have a bad reputation. Where are you getting your information? The best part of UCR is the Bourne College of Engineering. Matter of fact, UCR EE program is ranked 43rd in the WORLD.
Also, below is a link to U.S. News Global Ranking of 2017 by subject (Engineering, etc…). UCR Engineering is ranked higher than UC DAVIS, UC IRVINE and UC SANTA CRUZ.
Lastly, this ranking gives you a comparison between UC schools, SLO and CPP.
http://engineering-schools.startclass.com/d/e/California
SLO has a good engineering school but not the best but CPP is not so great. CPP graduation rate is around 55%. That’s not so good.
Graduating with an Engineering Degree from a UC school or SLO or CPP will give your son plenty of job opportunities.
Residency status- I have no idea under President Trump. H-1B Visa renewal???
Good luck!