In the 1990s the number of illegal immigrants coming into the state of California was a divisive issue. Those who believed immigrants were responsible for the severe job losses in a recession supported Proposition 187, a ballot initiative that would deny undocumented workers and their families healthcare, education and other services. Opponents of the ballot initiative pushed back, saying the recession had been caused by a collapse of manufacturing, and that cutting off social services for those in need would be cruel and unjust.
The heated debate polarized the electorate, and Proposition 187 passed. But the victory was short lived, as the courts ruled 187 was unconstitutional: only the federal government – not the states – can regulate immigration.
But the bitter fight over Proposition 187 did have lasting impact, including sparking Bill Clinton’s national immigration policies. It also had an unintended consequence. Galvanized into action, Latinos registered to vote in massive numbers. And it set the stage for the Latino candidates who have come to hold leadership roles in state government and have helped to convert California into one of the most solidly Democratic, immigrant-friendly states in the nation.