AB 1862 (Santiago, D-Los Angeles and Carrillo, D-Los Angeles) would have appropriated $10 million to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to provide immigration services to current or former recipients of the federal Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program that President Trump ended earlier this year. The funding was rolled into the budget earlier this year so the bill became unnecessary.
The CCC is disappointed to report that SB 638 (Caballero – D, Salinas) did not reach the Governor’s desk. This bill will would have made it unlawful for a person to represent others in immigration matters unless that person is authorized to practice law in this state or authorized to represent others in federal immigration matters.
There have been numerous complaints of individuals taking advantage of immigrants facing legal matters. These “consultants” are making errors on federal applications, causing deportation without any recourse to correct them. In some cases, they ask for payment and do not deliver services.
This bill failed on the Senate floor, accruing only 13 aye votes and 17 no votes, with 10 senators abstaining. Votes in this case varied and did not follow party lines. It is unknown at this time if the bill will be reintroduced during the next session.
For all immigration-related bills, visit the Immigration section of the CCC’s website.