California to Become a "Sanctuary State"

Last week, lawmakers voted to make California a sanctuary state, a big victory for immigrants. This does not mean that law-abiding undocumented people will no longer be deported, but it will make it more difficult for federal agents to target them since local jurisdictions are required to not go out of their way to help the feds. This is very important. It sends a message that immigrants are welcome in our state, no matter how they came here, and make our economy stronger.

In addition, last Friday, a U.S. District court in Chicago ruled that the Justice Department could not withhold federal money from sanctuary cities, such as Berkeley. The decision represents a legal defeat for the Trump administration and at least a temporary victory for cities such as ours that have defied the Administration.