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Californians see undocumented immigrants as essential to economy, poll finds

As President Trump launched a crackdown on unauthorized immigrants in the United States, a new survey found that the majority of California voters support providing social services to all low-income residents in the state, regardless of their immigration situation.

In contrast to anti-immigrant rhetoric emanating from the White House, a survey of 800 California voters portrays a mass who values ​​immigrant contributions, regardless of legal status, and believes their well-being is intertwined with a state of functioning well.

Californians “want to “play an important role in ensuring that we all have a quality of life and ensure that basic basic services, such as access to health care, are maintained for everyone,” said Miguel Santana, president and executive officer of Miguel Santana. California Community Foundationcollaborated with other foundations across the state to request an investigation.

The poll found that over two-thirds of respondents would allow residents of all states to purchase health insurance through California, regardless of their immigration status. Currently, unauthorized immigrants are not eligible to purchase plans through the state’s health insurance market.

Almost two-thirds, 64% of respondents support providing food assistance to all eligible, low-income families, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. Currently undocumented immigrants I’m not qualified For the California Food Stamp Program, they can apply for assistance on behalf of US-born children.

The survey also found that 57% of respondents have access to healthcare to all eligible low-income residents through Medi-Cal, the state’s public health insurance program, regardless of their immigration status.

Last year, California became The first state in the country Provide health insurance to all low-income, undocumented immigrants. That expansion has been criticized in part because of Medi-Cal costs far exceed the original budget estimates.

As part of a nonpartisan investigation, San Francisco-based David Binder Research interviewed voters on mobile phones, landline phones, online, English and Spanish from March 19th to 24th. California Voters.

The survey revealed that even moderate California voters deem undocumented immigrants essential to the economy and are worried about economic fallout from Trump’s pledge to carry out a massive deportation. Participants expressed concern that raids targeting farm workers would raise food prices, destroy small businesses with wider deportations and make homes more expensive.

“They are worried that massive deportation will cause disruptions in everyday life,” said Binder, who also votes for Democratic candidates. “They’ll say, ‘I’m really nervous about this because it might cost me and my family.” ”

That sentiment highlights the broader truth in the Golden State. Immigration is important to California’s economy, with about 10.6 million people (27% of all residents) born abroad as of 2023. California Institute of Public Policy. Approximately 1.8 million immigrants (about 17%) living in California were not documented in 2022. Pu Research Center.

Unauthorized immigrants account for an estimated 7% of the state’s workforce in 2022, with some sectors dependent on the workforce deeply, according to the Pew Research Center. At least half of California’s estimated 255,700 farmers have been undocumented. UC Merced Research.

The California investigation hit a different tone from several national votes that found Americans generally support the immigration policy of the Trump administration gathering. march CBS News/YouGov Pollfor example, we found that 58% of Americans have approved the administration’s program to deport immigrants who are in the country without approval.

In contrast, a California survey found that around six in ten voters support all Californians accessing legitimate processes, regardless of whether the person is undocumented or criminally convicted. This could indicate that the Trump administration’s efforts to frame deportation strategies as a public safety initiative have been “flat” with California voters, according to research summary.

“Instead of massive deportation, Californians want to further integrate immigration into our national structure, regardless of their legal status.” US Center for Immigration Policy In UC San Diego, where he was not involved in the investigation.

Masihradi, executive director of immigration rights group California Center for Immigration Policy, The survey said its supporters affirmed efforts promoting Sacramento.

“It shows that Californians still believe in California for everyone,” said Fouladi, who was not involved in the vote.

This article is part of the Times.” Equity Report Initiative, Funded by James Irvine FoundationExploring the challenges faced by low-income workers and the efforts being made to address them. Economic disparity in California.