On Friday, the California State Assembly voted to pass the Trust Act in a 48-26 vote.
Briefly, the Trust Act is the opposite of anti-immigrant legislation that is currently plaguing the country, and is a clear alternative to the Secure Communities enforcement program (which costs taxpayers in the state upto $65 million/year, according to a report by Justice Strategies) that is implemented in the California. Here’s more:
Under the TRUST Act, local law enforcement would have clear guidelines on when not to submit to immigration hold requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while allowing holds for those convicted or charged with serious or violent felonies.
These requests, clearly optional under federal law, are the mechanism by which the controversial Federal “Secure” Communities program had deported over 76,000 Californians as of June 30 of this year – seven out of ten of whom either had no convictions or minor offenses.
The TRUST Act now goes to Governor Jerry Brown, who has two options: he could sign the bill into law and protect Californians, or he could veto the bill and maintain the status quo – one that puts many Californians at risk. In a country where too many extremist politicians like Arizona’s Governor Jan Brewer are signing hateful anti-immigrant laws like SB 1070, Gov. Brown has the opportunity to steer California in a different direction, and we’re asking supporters in California to tell him to do the right thing and sign the bill.
Tomorrow, hundreds of community supporters from throughout California will march and rally in Sacramento to call for the measure to be signed into law, where groups like CREDO Mobile and NDLON will deliver over 14,000 petitions that have been signed by immigrant rights supporters (including America’s Voice activists).
Community supporters will be marching with Assembly member Tom Ammiano — the Trust Act’s champion — and people directly harmed by unjust immigration detentions in local jails, including: Juana Reyes, mom and tamale vendor who was arrested and nearly deported (Sacramento); Duncan Roy, film director (Los Angeles); Pancho Ramos-Stierle, spiritual activist, meditating protestor (Oakland); “Ivone,” mom whose husband was detained following minor traffic stop (Oakland).
Following is where and when they’ll be marching:
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
- 10:00 AM at 7th and G Streets, Sacramento Sheriff’s Headquarters: Gathering, interview availability
- 10:15 AM: 7thand G Streets: March expected to depart
- 10:45 AM: North Steps of Capitol, near 11th and L streets: March arrives
If you’re in California and can make the trip, please attend and show your support for this common-sense immigration legislation.
