In a move that further separates him from the more radical elements of the Democratic Party, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill on Friday that would have allowed undocumented students to be employed on campuses of the University of California, California State University, and community college systems.
Assembly Bill 2586 (AB 2586) would have permitted the hiring of students regardless of their work permit status. The bill, if passed, was estimated to benefit around 55,000 undocumented students in California.
This marks the second time Newsom has vetoed legislation aimed at expanding support for undocumented immigrants in the state. Earlier, he rejected a bill that proposed offering interest-free down payment assistance for home purchases to undocumented individuals.
In his veto message, Newsom cited concerns over potential legal risks for both the universities and the students. “Codifying state law to allow the employment of undocumented students would conflict with federal law, potentially exposing the universities and the students themselves to legal jeopardy,” the governor stated.
Newsom further explained that state employees could face criminal and civil liabilities under the proposed law. He suggested that a more prudent approach would be for the University of California and other institutions to first seek a federal judge’s ruling on the legality of the bill before proceeding with hiring undocumented students.
This decision highlights Newsom’s ongoing efforts to navigate a middle ground between progressive policies and pragmatic governance. While California has been at the forefront of providing support for undocumented immigrants, including offering them driver’s licenses and health care coverage, Newsom’s recent vetoes suggest a more cautious approach to such initiatives.
Political analysts view these moves as part of a broader strategy by Newsom, who is widely considered to have national political ambitions. By distancing himself from some of the more controversial progressive policies, Newsom may be positioning himself as a moderate Democrat capable of appealing to a wider electorate beyond California.
The governor’s actions have drawn criticism from some progressive groups and immigrant rights advocates, who argue that these vetoes contradict California’s image as a sanctuary for immigrants. However, supporters of Newsom’s decisions praise his pragmatism and attention to legal complexities.
As the debate over immigration policies continues to be a divisive issue nationally, Newsom’s approach in California – a state with a significant immigrant population – could serve as a bellwether for how Democratic leaders navigate these sensitive issues in the lead-up to future elections.
