Immigration

Politics

Trump vs. California: Is Xavier Becerra about to face a conflict he can’t resolve?

In the 1970s, an ethnically diverse high school in Sacramento sought to quell tensions by training a mix of specially selected students how to resolve conflicts. Among the chosen was a son of Mexican immigrants named Xavier Becerra—a teenager who excelled academically, spent lunch hours playing poker, and seemed to possess a knack for defusing […]

By Laurel Rosenhall • January 26, 2017

Economy

California’s undocumented kids could be first to lose medical care under Trump

On a recent rainy morning in Los Angeles, Maria Bernal’s stove clicks to life with a bright blue flame to toast bread on a griddle for her 9-year-old son Edwin to smear with peanut butter. As she scoops papaya chunks into the blender for a smoothie, she recalls her worry during all the years when […]

By Elizabeth Aguilera • January 25, 2017

Politics

California’s undocumented kids could be first to lose medical care under Trump

For some 164,000 poor undocumented California children, the ability to see a doctor for regular medical care hangs in the balance. Several experts predict they could be among the first to lose health coverage if the Trump administration carries out its promise to end much of Obamacare, leaving California to try to make up the difference.

By Elizabeth Aguilera • January 25, 2017

Politics

Trump says student DREAMers “shouldn’t be very worried” about deportation

President Trump appears to be dramatically softening his tone regarding a popular program for immigrant children, telling ABC News that the program’s participants “shouldn’t be very worried” about deportation.

By Jessica Calefati • January 25, 2017

Politics

If feds try to ID deportable immigrants using Cal data, state will block access

The state Department of Motor Vehicles reports it has issued more than 792,000 licenses to undocumented drivers. Now California is preparing for the possibility that the administration of President-elect Donald Trump—who campaigned on a promise to deport at least 2 million people—might demand access to various state databases that would reveal the names and locations of undocumented immigrants, such as the one maintained by the DMV. But in a state where Democrats hold the governor’s office and supermajorities in both houses of the Legislature, lawmakers say if the Trump administration does come knocking for such state data, their answer will be a vociferous “no.”

By Elizabeth Aguilera • January 21, 2017

Climate Change

So long, 2016: Top California stories set course for 2017

How did California define itself in 2016? As the state girding itself to mastermind the progressive resistance against a looming Trump administration? The state struggling to take the global lead in a daunting quest to halt global climate change? The state saddled with unfunded liabilities to pay off generous public employee pensions, and riddled with […]

By CalMatters Staff • December 29, 2016

Justice

If feds try to ID deportable immigrants using Cal data, state will block access

Ever since Maribel Solache began teaching her own version of driver’s ed in Spanish two years ago, the classes—held around San Diego County —have been jammed. She estimates she’s helped some 3,000 students earn their licenses. But lately, apprehension has smothered that enthusiasm. En espanol: Para leer este articulo en espanol click aqui. “More people […]

By Elizabeth Aguilera • December 7, 2016

Economy

Urgent appeal: California Democrats to invoke new anti-Trump weapon

As they suit up for battle against the Trump administration, Democrats who dominate California’s Legislature vow to unleash one of the superpowers of holding a supermajority: the ability to enact laws immediately.An underplayed consequence of the fact that they won two-thirds of the seats in both houses last month is that—if they stick together—California Democrats […]

By Laurel Rosenhall • December 6, 2016

Elections

Registration surges but GOP’s share shrinks—1 in 3 new voters is Latino

Sure, this presidential campaign has been nasty, divisive and frequently in need of parental control settings. But for how hard it’s been to stomach at times, this election season may be producing a civic upside: Californians are registering to vote at rates not seen in 20 years. The state’s voter rolls are surging. Nearly three-quarters […]

By Matt Levin • October 12, 2016

California Divide

Fueling the dreams of the undocumented

When 27-year-old Juan Valentin became old enough to get behind the wheel, a friend gave him driving lessons in the agricultural fields surrounding Stockton. As an undocumented immigrant from Tijuana, Mexico, Valentin spent the next 10 years driving without a license. In order to get to school or to work, he felt he had little […]

By Pauline Bartolone • June 12, 2016