In another attempt to distance himself from his state's more progressive initiatives, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have allowed illegal immigrant public university students, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, to hold on-campus jobs.
This is the second time this month that Newsom has rejected a bill that would have greatly expanded aid to illegal immigrants. Earlier this month, the blue state governor vetoed a controversial bill that would have granted home loans to first-time buyers who were not citizens.
“California has a proud history of being at the forefront of expanding opportunities for undocumented students seeking to realize their higher education dreams,” Newsom's veto letter to AB 2586 reads. “While I am proud of these efforts, I regrettably cannot sign this legislation at this time. Given the severity of this bill's potential consequences, including potential criminal and civil liability for state employees, it is critical that the courts address the legality of such a policy and the novel legal theory behind this legislation before proceeding.”
NEWSOM'S FALSIFIED ELECTION LAWS ARE ALREADY BEING CHALLENGED IN FEDERAL COURT
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that would allow illegal immigrant students to work in university jobs, citing legal concerns while distancing himself from progressive initiatives. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
UC students are eligible for financial aid, but a federal judge closed applications for the DACA program in 2021. The program allowed certain foreign nationals who were brought to the country as children and who met specific criteria to receive temporary protection from deportation. As a result, many are unable to work on campus.
Newsom, who campaigned for President Biden before he dropped out of his reelection bid, has previously supported other forms of aid to noncitizens, including health care coverage for all Californians regardless of proof of citizenship.
University leaders and lobbyists also warned Democratic lawmakers about AB 2486 because of its complicated legal guidelines that could lead to criminal prosecution of workers.
NEWSOM VETOES CONTROVERSIAL BILL THAT WOULD HAVE PROVIDED HOME LOANS TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
The University of California, Los Angeles is located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. (iStock)
“Unfortunately, AB 2586 does not protect our undocumented students or employees from prosecution, nor does it protect the University from the risk of potentially losing billions of federal dollars,” UC legislative director Mario Guerrero wrote in a letter to the state Senate Appropriations Committee.
“We would like to work with the author and the Legislature on other legal options to support these students,” said the letter, sent in July.
UC leaders considered seeking a declaratory measure to clarify whether they could hire students before proceeding. Activists reportedly opposed this measure, fearing it would hamper student hiring. Still, Newsom suggested in his veto message that the UC system has that legal option.
California is close to approving $150,000 loans for illegal immigrants to help them buy homes
This is the second time this month that Gov. Gavin Newsom has rejected a bill that would have greatly expanded aid to illegal immigrants. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
“Seeking a declaratory ruling from the court – an option available to the University of California – would provide that clarity,” the veto reads.
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