Immigration advocates in California are concerned about the potential for mass deportations after Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January. One particular program at risk under the Biden administration is the Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement program, which grants temporary legal status to undocumented workers involved in labor investigations. Since January 2023, around 7,700 workers nationwide have benefited from the program, but it is expected to be terminated by Trump once in office, causing fear among California’s 1.5 million undocumented immigrant workers.
Gov. Gavin Newsom is warning that mass deportations would have a devastating impact on California’s economy and is prepared to fight back. He has initiated a special legislative session beginning on December 2 to address the issue. Newsom is currently in Washington, D.C., lobbying for federal disaster funding and other priorities.
Newsom has also agreed to pay $13,000 in campaign finance fines for failing to report more than $14 million in charitable payments made at his request. This settlement coincides with a CalMatters investigation into enforcement delays by California’s campaign finance watchdog. In a separate move, Newsom granted five pardons to veterans on Veterans Day and is working on a posthumous pardon for a Vietnam War veteran.
On the other hand, Trump responded to Newsom’s actions on Truth Social, accusing the governor of obstructing progress in California. Despite the looming threat of mass deportations and campaign finance fines, Newsom remains active in advocating for California’s interests and supporting the state’s immigrant communities.
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Photo credit calmatters.org
