California Governor Gavin Newsom is reportedly considering a controversial plan to assist illegal immigrants and their families, amid concerns over President-elect Trump’s promised mass deportations. According to a draft document obtained by Politico, Newsom’s administration is contemplating the creation of an “Immigrant Support Network” designed to connect at-risk individuals with legal, educational, and community resources. This network would consist of regional hubs that work closely with local governments, labor unions, and other organizations.
The proposal comes as California prepares for the possibility of a second Trump administration, which has promised a tough stance on illegal immigration. After Trump’s first election, Newsom called a special legislative session and proposed a $25 million “Trump-proof” legal defense fund for immigrants. This new plan seems to be a continuation of that approach, with state lawmakers pushing for even more funds to shield illegal immigrants from federal enforcement actions.
While Newsom’s office downplays the draft’s significance, calling it an internal document not yet approved, the implications are clear. The plan would allocate state resources to nonprofits that provide legal services and other support for illegal immigrants, despite California’s looming $68 billion budget deficit. The draft outlines how state funds would be distributed to local organizations for community outreach, legal services, and administrative costs, although the exact amount of funding needed has not been disclosed.
Despite California’s financial troubles, Newsom’s team insists that the state’s budget is balancing out. Yet, with revenues falling short of projections, questions remain about the sustainability of such a plan. Critics argue that California should prioritize its own citizens and legal residents rather than funneling taxpayer dollars into protecting illegal immigrants. With a mounting deficit and pressure from both state and federal levels, the debate over Newsom’s proposal is bound to intensify in the months ahead.