California -- The Cutting Edge of Immigration Reform

September 29, 2013


California is leading the nation in immigration reform. As the state with a population of 38 Million, 39% of those people
are Latinos and 39% are non-Hispanic whites. Two and one-half Million of those Latinos are illegal immigrants. Immigration
reform cannot wait for the U.S. Congress to act. The California Legislature is moving forward drafting and passing bills that
will rectify the many injustices suffered by Latinos.

This cutting edge is that narrow separation between the frustration of illegal immigrants restricted from education and
earning power and their soon-to-be status as the majority ethnicity of California. Law-abiding Hispanic people cannot now
live without fear of deportation and separation from their families. Law-abiding Hispanic people must seek out the
law-breakers who counterfeit Green Cards and California Driver’s Licenses.

The children of illegal immigrants do not currently have school systems that will teach these Hispanic children the skills
to succeed in an ever sophisticated work-force. Without this progress, these children will continue to toil in the fields of
the Bread Basket of our nation.

California has a young population directly related to the high Hispanic population illegally and legally immigrating, having
more children than Anglos, and raising their families here. The retiring generating of Baby-Boomers can be replaced by
young Hispanic workers when higher education is available to them.

California must have laws that protect illegal immigrants from deportation for minor offences; lack of workplace protections
such as minimum pay and overtime; the inequality of income; and lack of educational opportunities.

Those who criticize the “Left-Coast” for moving forward on a pathway for law-abiding illegal immigrants to join the
rest of Californians need to look no further than to Washington, D.C. and those who oppose immigration reform. California
cannot look away while illegal immigrants are deprived of an opportunity for a better future.

THE DREAM ACT AND THE DREAMERS

On June 15, 2012, President Obama introduced a program under Executive Order powers dubbed the “DREAM ACT” and the young illegal immigrants as “DREAMERS.”[1]  The DREAMERS consist of over 2 million young immigrants brought to the United States sometimes by their parents and sometimes by smugglers called “Coyotes.”  Our President eloquently described the DREAMERS as:

“Americans in their hearts, in their minds, in every single way but one:  on paper.”

The DREAMERS can now come out of their shadow world, working for cash “under the table” and not protected by workplace safety measures.  Now these immigrants can work without fear of deportation and removal.  While not granted permanent legal status at this time, these young immigrants can obtain a driver’s license and other benefits most of us take for granted. 

The resulting economic change may be a significant contribution to federal and state taxes, Social Security and Medicare.  It is yet to be seen how many qualified immigrants will apply for Dream Act status.  In addition, it is yet to be seen how the contributions of these workers will balance against their increase in the cost of state and federal public programs.   

These young immigrants must apply for and qualify under a rigorous federal standard:  came to the U.S. before age 16; lived in the US for at least 5 years prior to the legislative enactment; have a high school diploma or a GED; not more than 30 years old (and certain immigrants up to 35 years old on conditional retroactive benefits); have a clean criminal record.

Immigration law enacted and called the DREAM ACT is called amnesty and condoning illegal entry into the United States by some. Look carefully at the restrictions on those who apply. Make comments and suggestions for revisions if you feel this is needed.  It is unfortunate that the gridlock in Congress makes it doubtful that anything on immigration law will happen soon. Yet change will come. Let us all make it an intelligent and thoughtful discussion of immigration. The "Marketplace of Ideas" is the touchstone of our future. 

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[1] Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
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