Assemblymember Mia Bonta Sends Bill to Fight for Legal Counsel for Immigrant Youth to the Governor

SACRAMENTO – Today, AB 1261, authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) was sent to the Governor’s desk after passing its final vote on the Assembly floor. The bill protects the right to a fair day in court by providing access to legal counsel for unaccompanied minors and other immigrant youth residing in California who have been placed in immigration removal proceedings.

“I’m incredibly proud that the legislature has approved AB 1261. This is a victory for the nearly 11,000 unaccompanied minors who navigate our state’s immigration courts each year. It is unacceptable that there are children who are facing our immigration courts alone. With limited knowledge of court proceedings, let alone sometimes the English language, these youth are set up for failure under our current system. Access to representation is vital to give these youth a fair day in court and a fair shot at the California dream. In the face of increased brutal immigration raids and ICE prioritizing the detention of unaccompanied children, this legislation is needed to protect the young immigrants who call our state home,” said Assemblymember Mia Bonta.  “I have appreciated the Governor’s firm support for California’s immigrant population in the face of ICE raids across the state and hope to receive his signature on this crucial bill.”

Last fiscal year, out of the 99,381 unaccompanied children released from the Office of Refugee Resettlement, 11%, or 10,819 children, were released throughout California. These young immigrants rely on programs that are increasingly being defunded, shuttered, or attacked by the current Trump administration. Without legal representation, many children face immediate removal, even if they qualify for asylum or other protections. 

“AB 1261 is a vital step in ensuring that no child in California faces life-altering legal proceedings alone. With state-supported legal representation, unaccompanied minors can properly navigate the complex immigration system and have their rights fully safeguarded. As the bill moves to the Governor, we urge swift action to make this essential protection a reality for vulnerable children across the state,” said Jorge De La Cruz, First5 California.

Between October 2017 and March 2021, 90% of minors without legal representation were ordered removed from the country by federal authorities, compared to only 37% of children who had legal representation.

Immigrants are the lifeblood of the state, contributing over $1 trillion to California’s economy each year and paying over $130 billion in annual state and local taxes.

AB 1261 is a California Legislative Latino Caucus priority bill.

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Assemblymember Mia Bonta represents California’s 18^th Assembly District encompassing the East Bay including Oakland, Alameda, and Emeryville. She also chairs the Assembly Health Committee.

Courtesy photos can be found HERE