California takes on Trump’s nativism, stands up for public safety and immigrants
Washington, DC – In a victory for public safety, for immigrants, and for the values of Californians, Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 54, the California Values Act, into law yesterday. This landmark legislation ensures that state and local law enforcement agencies focus on fighting crime rather than deporting immigrants. It ensures hard working immigrants throughout the state can interact with state and local authorities so that all can thrive; it encourages immigrants to report crimes and serve as witnesses in order to reduce crime; and it promotes a climate of welcoming to those who have moved to California to pursue the American Dream.
As Gov. Brown said,
“These are uncertain times for undocumented Californians and their families, and this bill strikes a balance that will protect public safety, while bringing a measure of comfort to those families who are now living in fear every day,” he said.
State Senator Kevin De Leon, a leader behind the passage,stated:
“The California Values Act will limit immigration enforcement actions at public schools, hospitals and courthouses where all California residents should feel safe, regardless of immigration status,” he said. “I want to thank Governor Brown for his engagement on SB 54 and his understanding of its importance to the millions of California residents it seeks to protect.”
And the advocates who fought long and hard to turn this visionary idea into legislative reality, said,
“As we celebrate today’s signature, we honor the immigrant community members who bravely stood up andspoke out against painful deportations – and defended the principle that all people should be treated fairly, no matter what they look like or where they were born. The Trump administration, in its zeal to deport millions, is turning police and sheriffs into deportation agents. This has broken up families, opened the door to civil rights violations, burdened local resources, and further undermined confidence in law enforcement. The California Values Act will challenge this xenophobic agenda. The new law will advance protections for immigrants in communities across the state, ending a number of shameful local deportation practices altogether and setting limits on other abuses.”
According to Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice Education Fund,
“California is, once again, leading the country in standing up for the principle that diversity is a source of strength and welcome is a source of unity. The California Values Act is a stinging rebuke to the nativism of President Trump and his drive to deport millions. Trump and Sessions are determined to bully state and local jurisdictions into turning immigrants over to ICE even though it diverts law enforcement from protecting the public. With this and other steps, California is declaring it wants no part in aiding and abetting Trump’s deportation force. A huge shout-out and heartfelt congratulations to the coalition of advocates and allies in California who fought so tirelessly to bring this important bill across the finish line. Your victory, once fully implemented, will make California – and America – a better place.”
Follow Frank Sharry and America’s Voice Education Fund on Twitter: @FrankSharry and @AmericasVoice
America’s Voice Education Fund – Harnessing the power of American voices and American values to win common sense immigration reform
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Follow Frank Sharry and America’s Voice Education Fund on Twitter: @FrankSharry and @AmericasVoice
America’s Voice Education Fund – Harnessing the power of American voices and American values to win common sense immigration reform
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