PROPOSITION 187 California Proposition 187 & Illegal Immigrants

Proposition 187, which also became known as the 'Save Our State' ballot initiative, soared across the political landscape of California and the nation in the fall of 1994 like a meteor. Roundly denounced by most mainstream liberal and Democratic politicians, 187 was given little chance of passage by media pundits. Ross says that "opponents [of 187] outspent supporters by more than two-to-one" (54). The pro-187 campaign was given a major boost when it was supported by Governor Pete Wilson. Its pros and cons were debated nationally. The initiative received the support of major conservative leaders such as Pat Buchanan and was rejected by others

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found that "two-thirds of all mothers giving birth in public hospitals are undocumented" (55). Rosen points out that "Congress over the past decade has sharply reduced its already limited federal aid to immigrants" in the education as well as other areas.(24). Since the composition of the Court itself has changed, it is very possible that Phyler v. Doe will be reversed. Judge Pfaelzer acknowledged that the right, if any, of an illegal alien or members of his family to attend public schools did not extend to a university education which was a matter to be determined under state law. The California courts will have to rule on this issue. In another case, Graham v. Richardson, Rosen says that "the Supreme Court has said that the states, but not Congress, must provide welfare benefits to citizens and aliens on equal terms" (23). California is likely to take the position that it is unfair to expect it and other border states to support with public funds "illegal immigrants that Congress refuses to acknowledge or deport" (Rosen 26). Moreover, the thrust of much pending legislation in the Congress is that the current federally managed welfare system must be reformed and that the states should be given greater latitude in deciding
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 3824
Approximate Pages = 15 (250 words per page)

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