The SB-54 bill known as the “California Values Act” continues to move forward in its approval process in Sacramento. He is currently only waiting for the signature of Governor Jerry Brown to turn California into a “Sanctuary State”, who has until this date October 4/17 to sign or reject that proposal. The version presented by Acting President of the Senate Kevin De Leon has changed its original nature due to several amendments that the governor’s office has made. Such amendments could put at risk those convicted of any of the more than 800 criminal offenses, including non-violent crimes such as food stamp fraud, cannabis cultivation, tax evasion and drug use, among others; exposing them to contact with officials of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as these amendments allow them access to penitentiaries. This situation would affect not only undocumented persons but also persons with permanent legal residence.
Given this, we can say that one of the best letters to play as immigrants is to avoid contact with police forces, ie not driving while intoxicated, not to commit acts of domestic violence, robbery, fraud, sexual abuse, etcetera, etc … not to face a detention.
Most of the immigrant population is hardworking and honest people who could see the passage of SB-54 as a protection in the event of a deportation process.
On the other hand, according to Olivia Beltrán Associate Director of Canal Welcome Center, “This process has been a great success in achieving the advance of a law of this nature and has also given us the possibility to know who our local allies are and who are not. Now we know the face of our allies for example in the city of San Rafael where there is a predominantly Latino population.
The public officials have been forced to deal with and seek a solution to the migratory problem by making it visible. Pressure, organization and citizen advocacy is undoubtedly one of the best tools for achieving major social change for the benefit of our communities.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Olivia says, “Latinas and Latinos need to be trained to be on management boards, where decisions are made because that is going to be very essential for our communities.”
Yolanda Gibson, co-founder of Marin Latino Leaders says, “The current process is very slow, but I think if it is going to happen because it is very important especially for the legislators who are in favor, because they would have a legal tool to protect all our people. The contribution of the community is not to remain silent have to use the voice, that all leaders and those who have the possibility or are in a position to raise their voice do so. Here at Marin Latino Leaders we are working for that, because it is the only way they will hear us and with a united voice we have more strength, “advises Yolanda.
“My advice to the community is to get involved, to register at local tables, whether at school, in the city, or at any council or committee that is formed or in the city where they live, be aware, that if there is a meeting that participate because it is the way to influence to obtain favorable results for our people, “concludes Beltran.
We must wait with attention, defending our rights. An informed community, it is a community with power!