California Considers First-of-Its-Kind Proposal for Undocumented Immigrants.
SACRAMENTO, California — California is evaluating a groundbreaking proposal that could allow some undocumented immigrants to access a government-run phone bill discount program. The proposal, which will be voted on by the state’s Public Utilities Commission on September 26, aims to eliminate the requirement for social security numbers in the California LifeLine program. This program offers phone bill discounts to low-income residents.
The idea to remove the social security number requirement was initially agreed upon a decade ago but was never implemented. “If an undocumented Californian falls on hard times, they should benefit from this program, just like every other Californian,” said Alice Reynolds, president of the utilities commission.
However, the timing of this vote is sensitive. Many national Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris, have recently shifted their stance on immigration and border security. This change is seen as an effort to counter criticisms from Republicans and former President Donald Trump as the election approaches.
Governor Gavin Newsom has cautioned California’s Democratic Legislature against making controversial decisions in an election year. He has urged caution on polarizing issues like youth tackle football bans.
Trump has criticized Harris for her state’s liberal policies, despite her no longer holding a statewide office in California. “Unlike Kamala Harris, President Trump does not believe illegal immigrants should receive discounts or benefits,” Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told POLITICO. “Only hardworking American citizens struggling in this unaffordable economy should receive such help.”
During a recent debate, Harris focused on attacking Trump on other issues, avoiding the topic of immigration. She highlighted her previous efforts as California’s Attorney General to prosecute transnational gangs while Trump continued to make false claims about Haitian immigrants in Ohio.
Despite Newsom’s warnings, California lawmakers have continued to pass legislation benefiting undocumented immigrants. Recently, bills were approved to allow immigrants access to student jobs on college campuses and home loan assistance. Newsom vetoed the home loan assistance bill, citing the state’s financial constraints.
Reynolds and advocacy groups argue that making undocumented immigrants eligible for phone bill discounts is a matter of fairness. The LifeLine program is funded through a surcharge on phone bills, which means undocumented immigrants with phone lines are currently subsidizing a benefit they cannot access.
Ashley Salas, an attorney with The Utility Reform Network, emphasized the public safety aspect: “If someone without a social security number who is low-income sees a wildfire and can’t call 911, that endangers the entire community.”
Nevertheless, some conservatives remain doubtful. State Senator Brian Dahle, a Republican from northeastern California, expressed concern that undocumented immigrants who have recently arrived in the U.S. might receive LifeLine discounts without contributing to the program.
“If you’re down on your luck and we want to give you a hand up, not a handout, I’m for it,” Dahle said. “But to continue to burden taxpayers with assistance for people who haven’t paid into the system? I’m opposed.”
The California LifeLine program currently provides up to $19 off monthly cell service, up to $39 off phone service connections, and exemptions from certain fees. This state program is available alongside a federal LifeLine discount, which offers up to an additional $9.25 off the monthly bill.
If the proposal passes, undocumented immigrants applying for LifeLine would still need to provide an alternative form of identification, such as a foreign passport or a driver’s license.