The resolution expresses the California Legislature's opposition to various executive orders and presidential proclamations related to immigration that have been perceived as discriminatory. Specifically, these orders have expanded deportations and targeted specific nationalities, particularly from majority-Muslim countries. The resolution aims to reaffirm California's commitment to being a welcoming state for immigrants and refugees and to denounce any actions that contravene this principle.
Summary
AJR36, introduced by Assembly member Ting, recognizes May 6, 2018, as the 136th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act. This resolution aims to acknowledge the long-standing harm caused by racially discriminatory immigration laws and to honor the invaluable contributions that immigrants and refugees have made to Californian society. By commemorating this date, the resolution draws a direct link between historical injustices and current immigration policies, particularly under the Trump administration.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding AJR36 is supportive among immigrant advocacy groups and many lawmakers who view it as a necessary acknowledgment of past injustices. Conversely, there are critics who see the resolution as a political statement against the current administration rather than a constructive approach to immigration reform. This division reflects broader national tensions regarding immigration policy and racial equality.
Contention
One notable point of contention highlighted in AJR36 is the comparison drawn between the Chinese Exclusion Act's historical significance and contemporary executive actions by the Trump administration. The measure critiques these policies as reminiscent of past discrimination and poses the risk of repeating injustices against specific ethnic groups. This ongoing discourse emphasizes the relevance of historical events in the context of current legislative discussions regarding immigration and civil rights.
Relative to a Resolution Condemning the Human Rights Violations against the Uyghur People in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Supporting the Work of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.
Relative to a Resolution Condemning the Human Rights Violations against the Uyghur People in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Supporting the Call to Action for Clothing Brands to Cut Ties with Suppliers Implicated in Uyghur Forced Labor.
Recognizes the 120th anniversary of the landmark United States Supreme Court Plessy v. Ferguson decision, and encourages President Barack Obama to bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously upon Homer Adolph Plessy.
A resolution to request support and funding from the National Archives and Records Administration for the restoration of the reflecting pool and fountain at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.