Editorial: Immigration is the lifeblood of California. They need support now more than ever
The United States has always been a country of immigrants. Nowhere is this more evident today than in California, where first-generation immigrants make up more than a quarter of the population, More than any other state.
More than half of California residents and 62% of Los Angeles County residents were either born abroad or have at least one immigrant parent, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census data.
Immigrant communities are understandably scared Be prepared for the worst-case scenario When Donald Trump takes office next month. Deporting immigrants is at the top of The President-Elect’s 20-Point Agendapromising to “1. Seal the border and stop the invasion of immigrants” and “2. Carry out the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history.
The new government has promised use army and mass internment camps, illegally deporting millions of immigrants and U.S. citizens in their families, revoking temporary legal status for millions of immigrants, reinstating Trump’s Muslim ban, and ending birthright citizenship. These and other policies, if implemented, would divide families and communities and harm the economy.
With these dark clouds looming, it is critical to recognize the role immigrants play in our communities.
Immigration has always been the lifeblood of the country and a source of growth, diversity and innovation. California is home to more than 11 million first-generation immigrants, who come from all backgrounds and walks of life, from the working class to the middle class to the highest levels of society. These include powerful figures such as Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez, Los Angeles Unified Director Alberto Carvalho, labor leader Ada Briceño, and some of the world’s most influential corporate executives. Managers, such as Google’s Sundar Pichai and Nvidia’s Jen-Hsun Huang, are both immigrants.
As a state with the world’s fifth-largest economy, California would be one of the states hardest hit by the proposed policy. Those likely to be swept up in the mass eviction plan include teachers and coaches, child care workers and Home health and long-term care. California farms offer more than One-third of the country’s vegetables Three-quarters of the state’s fruit and nut production is largely sustained by immigrant labor — at least half of the state’s farm workers are undocumented — as are many other parts of the state’s economy, such as construction and services.
Beyond the economic toll, the pain that harsh policies cause to immigrant families and their children is immeasurable. Immigrant rights groups are now reviving many of the assistance programs they developed during the Trump and Obama administrations to deal with deportations, including “know your rights” workshops to assist immigrants with legal responses and support. Some are developing programs to help parents make contingency plans for their children in the event their children are detained. Some are planning marches to drum up support.
local leaders, including Los Angeles Department of Education and the City Council and Los Angeles County. supervisory boardSteps have been taken to reaffirm asylum policies that limit cooperation with federal officials on immigration enforcement. The local government has Increase funding for legal services and make other commitments Protect immigrants and their families Plans from the Trump administration. But they will likely have to do more to push back against anti-immigrant excesses and use their powers to protect children and families.
Ordinary people can make a difference, even in small ways, by supporting immigrant rights groups, volunteering to help permanent residents apply for citizenship, and calling on members of Congress to demand action to protect immigrants. They can show up at rallies, protests and local government meetings to stand up for immigrants and their families in the face of dehumanizing attacks.
If the incoming administration turns its plans into reality, it will become clear to everyone—including those attracted by campaign promises to crack down on immigration—that actions that hurt immigrant communities hurt everyone. Until then, it is up to all of us to speak out and defend that most American of ideals: that this country was founded by immigrants seeking a better life, and that they made America stronger in every way.
