Don’t Give up on California!

Disappointment with the California legislature and Governor Brown as this legislative session closed has been palpable.

The legislature passed, and Gov. Brown signed, many bills to dissolve the distinctions among citizens, legal immigrants and illegal aliens, paving the way for even more population growth in California, which means even greater pressure on the beauty and natural resources that make California so precious.

Among these bills were AB 60, which awards driver’s licenses to illegal aliens; AB 4, the Trust Act, which prevents local authorities from detaining illegal aliens for ICE in most circumstances, and AB 1024, which allows illegal aliens to practice law in California.

The only clue Gov. Brown offered that he understands the difference between citizens and non-citizens was found in his veto of AB 1401, which would have made California the only state to allow non-citizens with green cards to serve on juries.

It’s not a pretty picture in California, but it’s certainly not a lost cause.

First, population growth is a long-term problem, requiring long-term efforts to address it. Politics changes, politicians change, and public opinion changes. In the past, CAPS was instrumental in passing SB 976, legislation that prohibited issuing driver’s licenses to illegal aliens. We will be back with new efforts to stem unchecked population growth in California.

Second, the best place to stop out-of-control immigration is at the federal level, and there the situation is challenging, but not bleak. The conventional wisdom that emerged after last year’s election was that "comprehensive immigration reform" with a massive amnesty would sweep through Congress in 2013, but some speed bumps have altered that course.

Partly, this stems from other intervening developments and political conflicts, but much of it is due to the resistance of concerned Americans who have flooded Congress with phone calls and emails and peppered town hall meetings with tough questions.

CAPS is active at the crucial federal level targeting not only California Congresspersons, but also Senators and Representatives in other states who are key swing votes, with our hard-hitting radio and television ads and Action Alerts. If you haven't recently contacted your Representative, please click here to send a free fax or e-mail opposing amnesty legislation.

We still have a voice, and we must use it!