California, for those of you who failed geography weren't aware, shares a border with Mexico. That means that issues of undocumented immigration mean more in California than they might elsewhere. Of course there is also a large Latino population in California because they moved here the border moved across them. These two factors mean that California might have amore nuanced view about immigration than those in other states, even other border states.
There is no doubt that undocumented workers are making great contributions to the US workforce and tax base.
A recent study by USC and the California Immigration Policy Center took a look at the scope of those contributions in California.
The study put the number of undocumented immigrants in the work force at 2.6 million and their contribution to state GDP at $130 billion.
Yes, billion with a "b".
A few key findings about undocumented immigrants in California:
58% have no health insurance
38% work in agriculture
50% have been in the state longer than ten years
75% live in households that include US citizens
There you have it. Undocumented immigration is a big issue in California. And California is taking two legislative steps to open itself up to undocumented immigrants.
California to Weigh Giving Legal Aid to Children Fleeing Violence
In a recent
Field poll, California voters said they approved sheltering young immigrants fleeing violence in Central America.
58 % favor extending “shelter and support” to immigrant minors until their cases are resolved
33 % oppose
In fact, state Democrats introduced a bill that would set aside $3 million to nonprofits that offer legal services to these children.
“Helping these young people navigate our legal system is the decent thing to do and it’s consistent with the progressive spirit of California,” Gov. Jerry Brown said in a statement.
California to Allow Undocumented Immigrants to Apply for Driver's Licenses
In 2013, Governor Brown signed a bill that would allow the state to issue drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants.
Of course, California now needs a bill to stop scammers from charging up to $10,000 for licenses that don't even exist yet.
The idea behind allowing undocumented immigrants to apply for drivers licenses (and insurance for that matter) is that driving is a state issue of safety. Knowing who is driving on a state's roads and ensuring that they are insured against accidents is essential to providing for the safety of a state's residents.
BTW, I Don't Care What The Rules Are. Call Them "Illegals" Here And I WILL HR!
Sorry for shouting. And now, please share your thoughts.