The California Senate is working on a bill that will give free money to undocumented seniors. The bill is only waiting on approval from Governor Gavin Newsom before becoming law.
On Wednesday, September 21, AB 1536 passed Senate Bill AB 1536.
If approved, the bill gives undocumented seniors who are older than 65, disabled, or blind, a monthly income between $1,100 to $1,900 a month according to the Sacramento Bee.
The program falls under California’s Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants.
Assemblyman Juan Carrillo, D-Palmdale authored the bill said.
“This bill is about ensuring that our state remains a place for every individual regardless of their background or immigration status so they can access the support and assistance to live a dignified life.”
“It is a testament to our shared commitment to compassion and inclusivity.”
Palmdale added according to Spectrum News:
“I am proud to be able to say that I was able to attain the American dream being an immigrant at 15 years old. And I just want to be able to make sure that we recognize the elders — the ones that risked their lives, the ones that left their families behind, and those that are suffering injuries because of work — now at their age, 65+, they’re not able to continue the hard-working work that they did.”
Assembly Speaker-designee Robert Rivas, son of immigrant farmworkers, said:
“[AB 1536] comes at a time where federal immigration reform has stagnated, and at the same time, you have other states across our country who have demonized our undocumented immigrants.”
According to Cal Matters, a spokesperson for Governor Gavin Newsom Daniel Lopez said in an email:
“The Governor will weigh the merits of any bill that eventually reaches his desk,”
“The state will continue to be a leader and uphold the dignity and respect of everyone who calls California home.”
When approved, it is expected to cost California around $35 million.
California recently passed a bill to provide undocumented immigrants unemployment money according to CBS.
What do you think about the latest bill?
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