Immigration law at one time allowed the parents of a child born here to apply for and achieve legal status. That procedure was eliminated during a period of harsher feelings toward immigration policy, and possibly also influenced by higher unemployment rates brought on by generally poor economic factors. California and other jurisdictions now must deport the undocumented parents of a United States citizen. As discussed in a prior blog, with respect to younger children born here, this is done rather unceremoniously in a manner that destroys the family unit.
California Governor calls for swift action in immigration reform
In today's acrimonious political environment even a touted immigration reform proposal has controversial provisions that are downright nasty. The immigration reform bill still going through the U.S. Congress has provisions that are inimical to California's interests and will be harmful to many of the 2.6 million undocumented persons living in California. The latest individual to repeat these criticisms is California Governor Jerry Brown.
Immigration reform would help family reunification in California
One problem apparently left to fester by the federal government is the creation of thousands of immigration orphans who may never see their deported parents again. However, if Congress passes immigration reform, thousands of these children may be happily reunited with their parents, both in California and other states. California has by far the largest population of children left behind by deported parents.
Supreme Court refuses appeal on appellate immigration ruling
When a state law attempts to interfere with a comprehensive framework of federal law and policy on a certain topic, the state law may be invalidated. That is the import of the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to hear an appeal taken from a decision of a federal appellate court. The appellate court had ruled that a state's harsh immigration law was invalid and pre-empted by federal law. California and all states cannot pass laws that transgress into the domain of federal supremacy over immigration law and policy.
