California Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D) wants to give free, taxpayer-funded legal aid to illegal migrants who have "been convicted of, or who is currently appealing a conviction for, a violent or serious felony."
The bill, AB 2031, would also "expand those qualifying services to persons having an intent to reside in and having a nexus to the state," and would include "legal representation and related services for removal defense."
California's most insane bill yet?
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) March 10, 2024
Meet AB 2031, a new bill just introduced by Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer.
The bill seeks to grant illegals convicted of SERIOUS and VOlLENT crimes with legal assistance, such as helping them avoid deportation.
These services will be paid… pic.twitter.com/MiUS2zThPc
This isn't the first time Jones-Sawyer has tried to slide money to illegals to help them remain in the country. Last year he introduced Assembly Bill 617 (failed) - which would have similarly provided illegal immigrants convicted of serious or violent felonies obtain taxpayer-funded grants to hire lawyers to fight deportation from the United States.
In 2017 California Democrats voted to create a government grant program called One California to provide $45 million per year in grants for nonprofits that provide defense and other legal services for low-income illegal immigrants.
Current law prevents illegal immigrants who have been convicted of serious or violent felonies from accessing these taxpayer funds. AB 617 would change this requirement and expand access to these violent felons. -reformcalifornia.org
"Not only is this offensive to taxpayers to have to pay for $45 million in legal bills for illegal immigrants — and possibly illegal immigrant violent felons, but it is offensive to treat non-citizens with the same or better benefits as citizens," said former San Diego City Council member and talk radio show host Carl DeMaio (R), chairman of Reform California, last April.
"For example, if a citizen got sued by the federal government for not paying taxes, they would never get a grant from their state government to hire a lawyer and fight the feds - but these illegal immigrants are," he added.
