California Latino Legislative Caucus Applauds Gov. Newsom’s Commitment to Aid Asylum Seekers and Refugees

SACRAMENTO – California Latino Legislative Caucus Chair, Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) yesterday joined Governor Gavin Newsom as they discussed efforts to provide relief and humanitarian aid to asylum seekers at the U.S./Mexico border. Governor Newsom called for $25 million in funding to aid local nonprofits and community organizations that serve asylum-seeking migrant families.

“The California Latino Legislative Caucus applauds Governor Newsom for proactively engaging with the Legislature to help find a solution to this exasperating federal policy that exploits human tragedy on both sides of the border,” said Caucus Chairwoman, Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego). “The Trump Administration has neglected its responsibility but I’m thankful we have a Legislature, a Governor and local leaders who are ready to step up and solve the challenge of transitioning these refugees into American life while they wait for their asylum hearings. These are human lives we are talking about.”

Just last month, the California Latino Legislative Caucus called on the State of California to do more for asylum seekers and refugees.

Since then, Governor Newsom has proposed $25 million from the General Fund, including $5 million to be immediately available this year, for an immigration rapid response program to assist qualified community-based organizations and non-profit entities in providing services to asylum seekers. Newsom has also proposed to expand Medi-Cal coverage to young immigrant adults under age 26, regardless of their legal status.

###

The California Latino Legislative Caucus serves as a forum for members from the State Senate and Assembly to identify key issues affecting Latinos and develop avenues to empower the Latino Community throughout California. Following in the footsteps of generations of pioneering Latinos who settled and helped build this great state, Latino legislators united in 1973 to maximize their power notwithstanding their limited numbers. Since its creation 46 years ago, the Caucus has grown in both numbers and stature. There are now a record 33 members of the Caucus and more than half of the legislative members are women. The Caucus boasts a rich history of empowerment, legislative and political success and serves as one of the most influential and strategic organizations in California.