A federal judge has issued a ruling that guts most of the provisions of Proposition 187, the California law that bars illegal aliens from public education, social service and non-emergency health care benefits. US District Court Judge Mariana Pfaelzer struck down many of Proposition 187’s provisions on the grounds that immigration is “unquestionably, exclusively a federal power.” California cannot deny benefits such as social services, public education and many other benefits if the federal government provides support. Only a few programs covered under Proposition 187 would be unaffected. Also, California is not permitted to make independent determinations of an individual’s immigration status. Governor Pete Wilson has promised to appeal the decision. Also, a California Congressman has introduced legislation that would allow all states to enact Proposition 187-like measures without the intervention of the federal government.
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