Newsom vetoes immigrant rights bills ahead of Election Day
- Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 258, which would have allowed universities to hire undocumented students, citing legal concerns.
- He also rejected AB 1840, aimed at providing mortgage aid to undocumented immigrants, due to California's significant budget deficit.
- These vetoes indicate a strategic decision by Newsom to navigate the political landscape ahead of the elections, responding to criticism from Republicans.
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently vetoed two significant bills aimed at expanding rights for undocumented immigrants. The first bill, Assembly Bill 258, would have allowed major universities in California to hire undocumented students for campus jobs, potentially impacting around 55,000 students. Newsom expressed concerns over the legality of the measure, emphasizing the need for state courts to clarify its implications before proceeding. The second bill, AB 1840, sought to provide state-funded interest-free loans for down payments on homes to undocumented immigrants. Newsom rejected this legislation due to the state's $68 billion budget deficit, which has drastically changed from a surplus in 2022. While many Democrats supported these initiatives, they faced strong opposition from California Republicans, who argued that such measures prioritize undocumented immigrants over U.S. citizens. Critics, including former President Donald Trump's campaign, labeled the proposals as unfair and indicative of typical Democratic policies. Newsom's vetoes appear to be a strategic move to avoid controversy ahead of the upcoming elections, reflecting a cautious approach to immigration-related legislation in a politically charged environment.