California’s Representation, Equity, and Protections (REP) for All Immigrants Act would allow illegal immigrants convicted of violent felonies to receive legal aid.

I don’t know how Californians can stay in that state. Leslie, you are a brave woman.

REP is the perfect proof that you don’t give the government an inch. You do not go down a slippery slope.

The One California program helps illegal immigrants pay for attorney services for immigration issues along with “those applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, naturalizing and Temporary Protected Status (TPS).” The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) funds One California.

Well, now the Democrats want to expand that inch to 500 miles because REP will allow those funds to pay for legal aid for those convicted of violent or severe felonies (emphasis mine):

Although the One CA program has provided crucial access to legal services for California’s immigrant population, the program has failed to match California’s commitment to racial equity, as the program prohibits funds from being used to assist certain individuals who have a criminal history. Further, CDSS has limited the types of eligible services, preventing funds from being used for interpreters, medical examinations, and litigation costs. As such, updates to the program are necessary to ensure service providers can more adequately serve all of California’s immigrant communities.

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AB 617 will improve the One CA program by removing outdated exclusions to representation and access for all immigrant Californians, regardless of past interaction with the criminal legal system; broadening eligibility for qualified nonprofit organizations that can apply for funding and provide services; clarifying and expanding the definition of immigration services to include social services, interpretation, and litigation costs; revising data collection and reporting requirements; and, creating an advisory committee to provide recommendations and strengthen California’s immigration legal infrastructure and services.

Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D) said the bill takes a step toward racial justice:

The bill, introduced by Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D), would end those restrictions and also update the program to expand the services that can be provided to include interpreters, social services and litigation costs.

In a press release, his office said that “the program has failed to match California’s commitment to equity, as the program prohibits funds from being used to assist certain individuals who had past interactions with the criminal legal system.”

Jones-Sawyer said it would provide equal access to immigration 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,” he said in a statement. “The REP for All Immigrants Act ensures racial justice and truly equitable access to crucial immigration services for all – not some.”

The bill also drew significant support from a number of immigrant activist groups who voiced their support of the legislation.

Stay classy, California.



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