Lawmakers in Democratic-led states are putting out fresh proposals that could create legal barriers for federal immigration agents and assist undocumented immigrants in avoiding deportation as President Donald Trump tightens the country’s immigration laws.
A national difference is highlighted by the opposition efforts in Oregon, California, New York, and other states, which stand in stark contrast to the numerous Republican-led states that are pushing legislation to support Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
Trump’s administration has already stopped refugee arrivals, accelerated deportations, deployed military forces to the southern border, lifted long-standing restrictions on immigration enforcement near hospitals, schools, and places of worship, tried to terminate birthright citizenship, and directed federal prosecutors to look into state or local officials they believe are obstructing his crackdown on illegal immigration in just his first week in office.
States have already introduced hundreds of immigration-related measures, and further action is anticipated the following week. To back Trump’s immigration agenda, Republican governors Ron DeSantis of Florida and Bill Lee of Tennessee have called for special legislative sessions to start on Monday.
Democrats in states like Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington, on the other hand, are supporting policies that would limit landlords from asking about an immigrant’s immigration status, prohibit government agreements to open new immigrant detention facilities, and expand health care and higher education for immigrants.
According to a survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, a large number of American adults favor tighter border protection at the southern border and the deportation of illegal immigrants who have been found guilty of violent crimes. However, there is less agreement on some acts. Four out of ten American adults are in favor of deporting all illegal immigrants, while a comparable percentage are against it.
Help for immigrants seeking legal status
Additionally, some proposed laws would provide funding for lawyers who may assist immigrants in obtaining legal residency.
The state Department of Human Services would have to provide funding to nonprofit organizations that assist non-citizens in changing their immigration status or obtaining lawful permanent residence, according to a measure introduced by Senator Lisa Reynolds of Oregon. The program would be launched with $6 million during the financial biennium that starts in July.
According to Reynolds, Oregon has a long and illustrious history of doing everything in our power to assist newcomers from other nations, particularly those who have been political refugees. This is making us all feel a little more pressed for time.
Oregon law has prohibited law enforcement from identifying or detaining individuals in order to implement federal immigration rules since 1987. In 2018, a referendum initiative to remove the so-called sanctuary law was defeated by voters.
Legal aid to fight deportation
There is no constitutional right to a government-funded lawyer in immigration courts, unlike in criminal courts. Certain state initiatives would assist in funding legal representation for those facing immigration proceedings as Trump intensifies his deportation campaign.
New York Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz, who arrived in the United States at the age of nine from Colombia and was without legal status for more than ten years before obtaining permanent residency, becoming a U.S. citizen, and becoming a lawyer, is one example of someone leading such efforts.
Cruz has introduced over half a dozen laws to support immigration. In immigration procedures in New York, or abroad if the immigrant was residing in New York, one would claim a right to legal representation under state law. Another would provide state funding for organizations to recruit, educate, and outfit personnel to offer legal assistance to those who are under danger of deportation.
Cruz claimed that the law allows people a chance to defend their rights, their families, and their case in a world when mass deportations are a real possibility.
According to Cruz, people in her New York City legislative district are afraid, with 60% of the population being noncitizens.
Several states currently provide funding for immigrant legal aid, including New York. Advocates, however, are requesting roughly twice as much funding as Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul has suggested.
Shayna Kessler, head of a universal representation effort at the nonprofit Vera Institute of Justice, stated that it is crucial to invest in due process and fairness for immigrants who are at danger in New York at this time.
A shield for schools with immigrant students
The Trump administration overturned guidelines earlier this week that have prohibited federal agencies from enforcing immigration laws in sensitive areas, like hospitals, schools, and places of worship, for over ten years. These days, some parents worry about school immigration raids.
According to The Children’s Partnership, a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, approximately one out of five children in California reside in households where at least one member lacks legal status.
Legislation sponsored by California Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, who chairs the chamber’s education committee, would make it more difficult for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to enter childcare facilities and schools.
According to the law, federal personnel would need a written statement of purpose, a judicial warrant, proof of identity, and facility administrator consent. Federal immigration officers could only enter places where there are no children present, even if those requirements are satisfied.
Muratsuchi claimed that as soon as Trump was elected, he got to work on the bill.
According to Muratsuchi, protecting all of our students—including our immigrant students—is of utmost importance.
