In a significant political move, six California Republican state lawmakers have reached out to President Donald Trump, urging a shift in immigration policy. The lawmakers are advocating for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to halt “sweeping raids” and to establish a “path to legal status” for “non-criminal undocumented immigrants.” This appeal highlights a growing concern among employers regarding the impact of ICE operations on the workforce.
The letter, spearheaded by state Sen. Minority Leader Brian Jones, R-San Diego, emphasizes the fear and disruption caused by recent ICE raids. “We have heard from employers in our districts that recent ICE raids are not only targeting undocumented workers, but also creating widespread fear among other employees, including those with legal immigration status,” the lawmakers wrote. They urged the administration to focus enforcement on criminal immigrants and to avoid actions that instill fear in the workplace.
Background and Legislative Context
Sen. Jones, who authored a bill that would have facilitated cooperation between California prisons and federal immigration officials, has been a vocal advocate for immigration reform. His proposed legislation, which failed in committee, sought to require the sharing of release dates for individuals convicted of serious or violent felonies. Current state law restricts such cooperation, except in limited cases involving serious crimes.
The lawmakers’ letter also calls for a modernization of the immigration process to offer non-criminal undocumented immigrants with longstanding community ties a path to legal status. “America needs a system that reflects both compassion and lawfulness — one that upholds sovereignty while recognizing the reality on the ground,” the letter stated.
Historical Parallels and Economic Implications
The last major immigration reform was the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, signed by President Ronald Reagan. This act allowed approximately three million undocumented immigrants who had resided in the U.S. since before January 1, 1982, to gain legal status. The current call for reform echoes the need for a similar comprehensive approach.
The lawmakers also addressed the need to expand and reform the H-2A and H-2B visa programs, which are crucial for sectors struggling to fill positions. “From construction to hospitality to food processing, California’s employers are struggling to fill positions,” they wrote. According to the American Farm Bureau, the federal government authorized 384,900 H-2A temporary agriculture visas, while the H-2B program is capped at 66,000 annually.
The state’s latest jobs report found 5.3% of Californians, or 1.1 million, were unemployed in May.
Moreover, data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated there were 659,000 job openings in California as of March 2025, suggesting nearly two unemployed individuals for every open job. This employment gap underscores the potential economic benefits of immigration reform.
Political and Social Implications
California has not voted for a Republican presidential candidate since 1988, when George H.W. Bush won the state. The current appeal from Republican lawmakers could be seen as an attempt to realign the party’s stance on immigration to better reflect the state’s diverse demographic and economic needs.
The letter’s signatories, including primary author Sen. Suzette Valladares, R-Santa Clarita, and others, highlight a bipartisan recognition of the need for immigration reform. The lawmakers’ call for a compassionate yet lawful system aims to address the complex realities of immigration in a state that is home to a significant immigrant population.
As the nation grapples with immigration policy, the California Republicans’ appeal represents a potential shift in the political discourse, advocating for a balanced approach that considers both security and humanitarian concerns. The outcome of this appeal could have far-reaching implications for immigration policy at both state and national levels.
