State government paper

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The Sanctuary State Bill
The Governor of the state of California, Jerry Brown, recently signed into law Senate Bill 54, SB 54, also popularly known as ‘sanctuary state’ bill. The move comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s increased hardline stance on immigration. California houses the highest number of undocumented in the United States of America. The signing of the bill into law means that state authorities are no longer mandated to work with the federal government in implementing any legal actions against immigrants. In fact, it makes it illegal for them to do so. It does this by limiting the manner in which state authorities aid federal law enforcers on matters related to immigration. Further, the law also creates some so-called “safe zones” that include schools and courtrooms. Many view it as a literal act of rebellion against the president whose stand on immigration is well-known.
State Senator Kevin De Leon spearheaded the authoring of the Bill. After a heated debate at both houses, the governor signed it into law on the 5th of October 2017. The vote was split 49 to 25, and this was majorly along party lines as expected at the state assembly. Once the bill was returned to the Senate for another round of voting, it went through by a 27 to 11 vote. The governor was also instrumental in making significant amendments that he believed were crucial to its success. The act is a plus for immigrants in the state as it means that no state official will act with any enthusiasm in helping federal authorities enforce any laws relating to immigration.

This mostly applies to acts of deportation. Critics argue that this will increase the number of immigrants in the state. Considering that the number is already very high, the highest of any jurisdiction, the president’s administration will not be too pleased about that. Further, there is confusion regarding whether or not immigrants in California will be deported. The answer to that is yes. Those who have committed felonies over the past 15 years can be expelled by both federal and state authorities. Considering the resources available to the national authorities are quite limited, their ability to zoom in and focus on specified individuals will also be curtailed. Depending on which side of the divide you are on then this can be a positive or a negative.
There is also a concern that public safety will be at risk because of the expected increase in the number of immigrants. This is because there seems to be a heightened level of non-communication between the state and federal authorities on matters related to crimes by immigrants. Although the law allows for communication on issues relating to serious felonies such as murder, robbery, kidnapping and rapes the fact that part of the law bars state agents from revealing to the federal authorities when convicted immigrants are released speaks volumes of the disdain for the national laws on immigration as well as the president himself.
Senate Bill 54 of 2017 is by far one of the most controversial laws that were passed in the state of California last year. It flies in the face of the federal government and openly defies the President and everything he stands for. However, it provides the immigrants who are just as human as anyone else with some much-needed reprieve.