State lawmakers in California are considering legislation that would extend taxpayer-paid legal aid to illegal aliens convicted of violent or serious felonies. The legislation — sponsored by Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D) — would remove restrictions on grant funds that currently deny this category of immigrants from receiving immigration-related legal services.
“For as long as I have been in state office, I have worked towards ensuring people are given a second chance and have championed efforts to prevent people from being treated as second-class individuals,” Jones-Sawyer said in a statement. He added: “The REP for All Immigrants Act ensures racial justice and truly equitable access to crucial immigration services for all – not some.”
The fund is drawn from the One California program, which annually provides $45 million in grants to nonprofits offering free immigration legal services. Currently, these funds may not be used to assist those convicted of particular crimes, a restriction the proposed bill would end.
Jones-Sawyer argues that the act would help to achieve racial justice and equal access to vital immigration services. He says he received significant support from numerous immigrant activist groups. However, the move has met with considerable opposition from Republicans, including Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez (R), who questioned why the state should prioritize providing legal assistance to immigrant offenders over other needs.
Critics argue the legislation is part of escalating attempts by Democrats to decriminalize illegal border crossings and that its passage would represent another significant shift in California’s increasingly progressive approach toward illegal immigration. They also contend that the assembly bill highlights a misguided prioritization of funds, suggesting that the state’s financial focus should instead be on benefitting lawful residents and citizens.
