California Governor Gavin Newsom has reiterated his support for illegal immigration while pushing for a path to citizenship within the framework of the Trump administration’s deportation policies.
During an interview on the “Shawn Ryan Show,” Newsom claimed that illegal immigrants do not negatively affect the job prospects of Americans. He stated that about half of California’s agricultural workforce and a substantial portion of construction workers are undocumented, contributing significantly to the state’s economy through $8.5 billion in taxes.
“It’s critical,” he mentioned. “If you’re concerned about farmers or ranchers—who are pivotal to our economy—then you should be equally invested in their workers.” He highlighted that California has higher percentages of construction workers who are illegal immigrants compared to Texas.
Newsom raised concerns about the feasibility of rebuilding after the devastating wildfires this year without this workforce. He remarked, “Our borders must be secured, but we need to have provisions for those workers.”
Interestingly, while defending the rights of undocumented individuals, Newsom maintains that his administration has cooperated with ICE, having turned over 11,000 criminals to immigration officials.
When discussing job competition, he indicated that not many locals are interested in working in certain industries, like packaging facilities. “In places like Ventura or Tulare Counties, those jobs just aren’t attractive to many people,” he pointed out.
Furthermore, he expressed a willingness to reconsider California’s sanctuary policies, reflecting on how these exist due to federal government failures. “Politicizing the issue only complicates things further,” he claimed.
Ira Mehlman from the American Federation for Immigration Reform noted that California’s illegal immigration situation burdens taxpayers by $30 billion annually, encompassing various services such as public education and healthcare. He critiqued Newsom for endorsing labor practices that allow for low wages, which he argues undermine traditional blue-collar jobs.
Mehlman added that the presence of low-wage labor has deterred technological advancements in critical industries, ultimately affecting productivity. He urged Newsom to champion modernization instead of perpetuating exploitative practices.
