Bill to allow noncitizens to serve on state boards passes
Under the legislation, immigrants in the U.S. illegally would be able to hold civil office.
SACRAMENTO — Immigrants living in California who are not U.S. citizens could be appointed to public boards and commissions under a bill passed by the state Legislature on Friday.
California law requires civil officeholders to be U.S. citizens.
Senate Bill 174 would make it legal for non-U.S. citizens to serve in these offices, and would also clarify that children born in California are citizens of the state, even if their parents are not.
The bill’s author, Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens), said that SB 174 would provide tax-paying noncitizens fair representation in public life, while benefiting the state as a whole.
He added that non-U.S. citizens can be licensed in California to practice law, dentistry, accounting and other professions.
Experts who work in these professions often serve on boards and commissions that offer technical advice and handle licensing and regulation, he said.
“Qualified Californians who have worked hard and are experts in their field should be given the opportunity to serve the state in this way, regardless of immigration status,” Lara said.
Opponents have argued that immigrants who are in the country illegally should not be able to hold civil office.
Sen. Joel Anderson (RAlpine) said immigrants who join a state panel could be taken advantage of in the current political climate.
“There are those out there who want to conduct a war with [President] Trump,” he said during floor debate. “If you are a visitor in our country, we have an obligation not to take advantage of you for political purposes.”