California’s journey from immigrant-bashing to immigrant-embracing is a wild ride that would make even the most seasoned roller coaster look tame. Three decades ago, a ballot measure called Proposition 187 threatened to strip undocumented immigrants of basic rights, painting them as state-destroying bogeymen. Fast forward to today, and California has transformed into a sanctuary state where immigrants aren’t just tolerated, they’re celebrated.

From Scapegoats to Senators

Remember Pete Wilson? That Republican governor who championed Prop 187 back in 1994? He’d be shocked to see Alex Padilla, a son of Mexican immigrants, now representing California in the U.S. Senate. What was once a state where immigrants were considered a “burden” is now a place where 72% of residents see them as a “benefit”.

Political Power Shift

The Latino and immigrant community didn’t just sit back and take the hit. They organized, voted, and fundamentally reshaped California’s political landscape. From expanding Medi-Cal to undocumented immigrants to creating sanctuary state policies, California has become a beacon of progressive immigration policy. Republicans who once rode the anti-immigrant wave? They’ve been politically shipwrecked.

The Ongoing Battle

But don’t think it’s all smooth sailing. With Trump’s return and continued immigration raids, the fight continues. Young activists like 15-year-old Nathon Ponce are showing up, proving that the spirit of resistance is alive and well in the Golden State. California isn’t just resisting, it’s redefining what it means to be an American.