CA Governor Vetoes Undocumented Immigrant Bills; Challenge To Sanctuary State Status

image
Author: Jeff Powers
Created: 29 Sep, 2018
Updated: 21 Nov, 2022
2 min read

San Diego, CA.- The California Legislatures push to turn California an even deeper shade of blue, proved too much even for Democratic Governor Jerry Brown.

On Thursday, Brown vetoed two bills that would have allowed undocumented immigrants to serve on state boards and commissions, and would have prevented immigration authorities from making arrests inside courthouses.

Sen. Ricardo Lara, who is running for Insurance Commissioner against Independent Steve Poizner, introduced both bills.

After the veto Lara said, “There was a time when Chinese Americans, Japanese Americans, African Americans, and Catholics were prevented from serving, and California cleared away those barriers,” Lara said. “I predict that this barrier will eventually fall.”

Brown was concerned the proposed law could have unintended consequences. “I believe the prudent path is to allow for that guidance to be released before enacting new laws in this area,” Brown said.

In 2013, Brown vetoed a bill that would have allowed non-citizens who are legal residents to serve on juries.  At the time Brown noted, “Jury service, like voting, is quintessentially a prerogative and responsibility of citizenship.”

Governor Brown has endorsed Senator Lara for the position of Insurance Commissioner.

Blow To Sanctuary State Law?

An Orange County judge’s ruled this week that California’s Sanctuary State protections for undocumented immigrants are unconstitutional.Despite that ruling, state Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra said Friday the state would continue to uphold its laws.

Becerra wrote in a statement, “Preserving the safety and constitutional rights of all our people is a statewide imperative which cannot be undermined by contrary local rules. We will continue working to ensure that our values and laws like the California Values Act are upheld throughout our state.”

IVP Donate

A City Attorney with Huntington Beach, Michael Gates, said the ruling makes California’s 121 charter cities — which includes San Diego — exempt from SB 54, the bill authored by Kevin de León.

“This is a significant victory for the rule of law, the [California] Constitution, the city’s charter authority and other charter cities,” Gates said in a statement, “We will continue to hold Sacramento accountable for unconstitutional state law overreaches. The city of Huntington Beach will not allow Sacramento to violate its constitutionally protected rights.”

Latest articles

Image of the White House.
LISTEN: Running for President as an Independent -- How it Really Works
Think about the leaders with bold visions you’ve wanted to vote for, the ones with the best ideas who have the potential to transform American politics. Most never stand a chance, regardless of where they fall on the political spectrum....
30 Apr, 2025
-
1 min read
Cnannabis and CBD oil
Sen. Padilla Pushes, But DEA Nominee Terry Cole Won’t Commit to Cannabis Rescheduling
During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 30, DEA administrator nominee Terrance Cole declined to commit to the proposed federal rescheduling of cannabis, leaving a critical policy question unresolved as the process transitions to new leadership under the Trump administration....
30 Apr, 2025
-
3 min read
Nurse standing in front of a backdrop that shows a blank map of California and a blank map of Mexico.
Cross-Border Healthcare: A Complex Problem Meets a Bipartisan Solution
While healthcare in California has seen massive investments in coverage and access, these gains often mean little to border residents who split time, family, or even residency across two countries...
30 Apr, 2025
-
2 min read