Civil-rights advocates here in California say they’re preparing for likely conflicts with immigration policies expected under the incoming Trump Administration and they're getting out in front of the issues before January's inauguration.
Layla Razavi is with the California Immigrant Policy Center, which hosted a recent conference in Sacramento to address immigration issues. She said when services to immigrant communities were reduced under past presidential administrations, the state stepped in to increase support.
“I think the clear message that we’re getting right now from the legislature is that they intend to continue on that track; we’re not going to abandon our most vulnerable populations simply because of the results of the election.” Razavi said.
California’s diversity helps it succeed economically, and she believes the state will eventually set the immigration tone for many other states.
Meanwhile, the University of California system is positioning itself to combat possible conflicts. UC President Janet Napolitano is vowing to protect students who entered the U.S. illegally, and keep personal information confidential.
Joseph Guzzardi is a spokesperson for the Santa Barbara-based group Californians for Population Stabilization. He said organizations like the U.C. system are premature in addressing these issues, because there is not yet any solid plans in place for how immigration issues will be handled.
"It seems to me that making the statements that Janet Napolitano made, and that the governor has made, and that sanctuary cities mayors have made across the United States have made, is really alarmist," Guzzardi said.
Trump campaign policies raising concern among immigrant-rights groups include tripling the number of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and terminating President Obama’s amnesty programs. The president-elect's transition team has yet to release any detailed information on these issues.