THIS IS THE CALL WE WERE WAITING FOR

As a son of immigrants, I’ve been reflecting recently on the significance of immigrants in our nation’s history and the tragedy of Congress’ inability to reform the broken immigration system. America continues to be a land of opportunity, a place where families seek second chances, or in some cases, just a chance. That is why people flee countries all over the world and end up in our border region. Like many San Diegans, I have been worried about the impact of Title 42, which was implemented in March 2020 to turn back migrants at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and expired on May 11 of this year.

Operations and enforcement of the border fall under the jurisdiction and legal responsibility of the federal government, but the state has been and will continue to be a source of humanitarian assistance. Why? Because in California, we believe in the dignity of every person. That is why the state has invested $1 billion since 2019 and assisted over 350,000 refugees and asylum seekers with temporary services and travel support. In San Diego and other counties, our state is funding the operations of nine facilities to provide shelter and resources to assist families with young children, medically fragile individuals, seniors and other vulnerable populations.

With migrants and refugees continuing to flee violence and oppression, we must support those seeking justice and freedom. As the crisis continues,

California and its agencies will do their part in this humanitarian crisis, but we need the federal government to take action. At the same time, California will continue the fight for federal resources. Ultimately federal leaders must take charge of creating a humane, orderly and responsible process for those trying to enter the United States. While California is providing care and setting a path for other states to follow, we need the federal government to step up and provide permanent, sustainable funding for migrant shelter services and operational care.

This is a moment for all of us to reflect and remember that the faces of immigrants at the border represent true American values and some of our biggest strengths: tenacity, ambition, hard work, self-determination, freedom and justice. These are the values that my immigrant parents brought with them when they came here.

This should be the call that Americans and our leaders in Washington have been waiting for, an opportunity to renew our commitment to being the land of the free. To me, Title 42 became a symbol of the need for action on immigration reform. That is why California will continue to lead and meet our moral obligation to shelter, care and shepherd those who, for now, have been abandoned by our federal government.

California will continue to lead and meet our moral obligation to shelter, care and shepherd those the U.S. government has abandoned.

is an Assembly member representing District 80 and lives in Logan Heights.