California plays host to America's largest population of illegal immigrants. According to a 2008 survey, California is home to 27% of the nation’s illegal immigrants, compared to only 10% of those born in the United States. The state has naturally been struggling  with such a huge population of illegals. This is why California needs steps to control illegal immigration.

Unlike Arizona’s immigration bill which many believe is similar to making it a police-state that encourages racial profiling, reform policies for California need a different approach.  California’s immigration reform bills need to have a more compassionate and humanitarian approach.  To address the problem, the state can begin with ending visa backlogs and offering a streamlined, efficient, and legal path toward citizenship. Additionally, U.S. trade policies that encourage trade agreements which tend to create poverty and forced migration should also be revised and amended. There has been escalating poverty in Mexico and Central America after NAFTA and CAFTA were implemented.

Coming to the case of young illegal immigrants, the DREAM Act (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act) sponsored by US Senators Richard Lugar and Dick Durbin can offer an effective solution to California’s immigration problem. This act seeks to offer conditional permanent residency to minors born to illegal immigrants but who have come into the country before the age of 16 and are prepared to contribute towards the progress of the country by studying or serving the military. These youngsters can get permanent legal residency after they complete their enlistment or graduate. After that, they can seek U.S. citizenship. Those who don’t join the military or enroll in college would be subject to deportation. The DREAM Act represents common sense, effective policy, and compassion. 

Immigration reform policies for California should also look to protect the rights of workers against any form of discrimination. Whether it’s about not having the legal papers of employment, inability to leverage and organize better conditions, or getting fired for demanding rights, the state needs to safeguard the interests of its workers, even if they are immigrants. 

Strict border enforcement measures will likely not deter the entry of illegal immigrants but instead increase the existing divide and strife in the state. Immigration policy has to be intelligent and practical. Arresting and deporting all illegals is unrealistic.   Compassionate measures which include a clear path toward citizenship is how the state must proceed. This country is founded on immigrants.  We have to ensure that those wanting to become a part of this country will still get that opportunity both fairly and legally.