Contact: media@ilrc.org
Sacramento, CA — In his proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, Gov. Gavin Newsom missed the opportunity to increase state funding for California’s immigration legal services programs and defend immigrant families and communities from mass deportations. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to enact the largest deportation operation in U.S. history as his top priority starting on the first day of his administration.
“The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) is disappointed that the governor’s proposed budget includes no new investments to essential legal services for immigrant communities. With the active threat of mass deportation and family separation under the incoming administration, increased access to immigration legal services is key for proactive and needed self-defense for millions of Californians. The proposed budget providing no new investments to key programs is shortsighted, but we will continue working to push our elected officials to champion the needs of our immigrant families,” said Immigrant Legal Resource Center Policy & Community Specialist Abraham Bedoy.
“As millions of families face the threat of separation through deportation, this is a critical time for California to take urgent action to defend immigrant families and communities. By not increasing funding for immigration legal services, Gov. Newsom’s budget proposal falls short in protecting immigrant families and communities. California’s priorities must be guided by our values of family unity, community safety, economic security, and dignity for all Californians,” said Bruno Huizar, Policy Manager with the California Immigrant Policy Center.
"With President-elect Trump vowing to initiate the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, California must increase its support for those at risk of being torn from their families and communities. Governor Newsom’s budget proposal fails to invest more in immigration legal services, leaving many without the crucial support they need to defend themselves. As we face the incoming administration’s extreme anti-immigrant agenda, California can and must do better to advance policies in support of family unity, economic prosperity, and community stability. Investments in immigration legal services are needed to uphold our foundational values of fairness and due process, support stability in our economy and communities, and keep families together," said Shayna Kessler, director of the Vera Institute of Justice’s Advancing Universal Representation Initiative.
In December, advocates wrote a letter signed by 140 organizations across the state of California urging the California Legislature and Gov. Newsom to increase investments in state-funded immigration legal services programs.
As budget negotiations continue, advocates are urging the legislature and Gov. Newsom to prioritize immigrant communities by expanding funding for these vital programs that protect the safety and security of California families, workers, students, and communities.
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