California Governor Gavin Newsom has once again found himself at the center of a heated debate over immigration policies. In a move that has drawn criticism from some and praise from others, Newsom vetoed a bill that would have allowed undocumented students, including those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, to work on campus jobs at public universities. This decision comes just weeks after he vetoed a similar bill that would have offered housing loans to noncitizens.
Newsom justified his decision by citing legal concerns. He expressed worry that the bill could expose state employees to potential criminal and civil liability. He emphasized the need for clarity on the legal implications of such a policy before proceeding, suggesting that the courts should address the legality of the bill’s novel legal theory.
The University of California (UC) system, which oversees the state’s public universities, echoed Newsom’s concerns. UC leadership, in a letter to the state’s Senate appropriations committee, stated that AB 2586, the vetoed bill, did not adequately protect undocumented students or employees from prosecution. They also expressed worries about potentially losing billions in federal dollars if the bill were to pass.
Despite the concerns, UC leadership was open to exploring other legal options to support undocumented students. They considered seeking declaratory relief to clarify their ability to hire students before proceeding. However, activists opposed this approach, fearing it might hinder student hiring.
Newsom, in his veto message, suggested that the UC system has the legal option of seeking declaratory relief in court to address the legal uncertainties.
This latest veto highlights a shift in Newsom’s approach to providing aid to illegal immigrants. While he has previously supported initiatives like healthcare coverage for all Californians regardless of citizenship, these recent vetoes suggest a move away from more progressive policies that have become increasingly controversial in the national political landscape.
The issue of illegal immigration is a prominent one in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are facing off on this issue, with Trump emphasizing his stricter border policies and Harris defending the Biden administration’s approach. The debate over illegal immigration is likely to continue to be a heated one, with implications for both state and federal policies.
