Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside a coalition of attorneys general from several states, has filed an amicus brief in the case Svitlana Doe, et al., v. Kristi Noem, et al. The brief supports maintaining pathways to humanitarian parole for vulnerable immigrants seeking legal entry and residence in the United States. This move counters actions by former President Trump, who had directed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to terminate these pathways.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the impact of Trump's decision on various immigrant groups: "Since taking office, President Trump has waged war on immigrants who are in this country legally – American-born children, refugees displaced by war or disaster at home, individuals who have fled from political instability or violence, and those who provided assistance to the U.S. military at great personal risk," he stated.

The Biden Administration has implemented initiatives like Uniting for Ukraine and Operation Allies Welcome to aid Ukrainians fleeing conflict and Afghans who supported U.S. efforts abroad. However, under Trump's directive earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security ceased processing new applications for these parole pathways.

Bonta pointed out that immigrant-led households contributed significantly to California's economy in 2023 with $61.8 billion paid in state and local taxes and $404.4 billion spent locally. Immigrants constitute nearly one-third of California’s labor force and hold a substantial share of healthcare aide and agricultural jobs.

The multistate coalition argues that ending parole pathways would negatively affect state economies by preventing contributions from these immigrants amid persistent labor shortages. Additionally, it highlights potential harm from forcing individuals back into dangerous conditions abroad.

Joining Bonta in filing the brief are attorneys general from New York, Illinois, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont Washington Wisconsin.