“Gov. Brown’s signing of this crucial legislation is a victory for immigrant communities and for the American and Jewish values that inspire our solidarity with them. At a time when immigrants face harsh rhetoric and oppressive policies in Washington, California is saying loudly and clearly that immigrants deserve equality, justice and protection from an oppressive regime of detentions and deportations. We are proud of our legislators and the governor for fighting for our immigrant communities and resisting the Trump administration’s hateful threats.

“The immigrant experience is central to our identity as Jewish Americans. We are proud to have partnered with immigrant communities in California to work toward passage of this important bill and make our state safer, stronger and more united in support of immigrant rights.” 

Bend the Arc Jewish Action has been a leader in organizing Jewish and interfaith communities in solidarity with immigrants and working for passage of SB54. Bend the Arc activists have participated in protests, rallies and acts of civil disobedience throughout the state to protest ICE’s egregious deportation and detention practices. Earlier this month, Bend the Arc leaders and activists took part in an interfaith march and rally in support of SB54. In April, they helped organize a Los Angeles interfaith Day of Action and Civil Disobedience against deportation and detention. Bend the Arc Jewish Action also participated in the nationwide Rise Up! May 1 Day of Action in solidarity with immigrants, Muslims and other marginalized groups.

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