Assemblyman Tony Mendoza, D-Norwalk, is urging Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign into law a bill that would prohibit school districts from asking about students' citizenship status.
Assembly Bill 132 was introduced by Mendoza after several high-profile immigration raids in 2008 stopped many California children from going to school.
"We all have opinions on immigration, but I hope regardless of those opinions, we all agree that our society benefits when the education of our children continues uninterrupted," Mendoza said.
The bill states that immigration raids should not disrupt students' education, however it would not prevent or limit federal investigations into students' status. California does not have authority over federal agents.
AB 132, which passed both houses in the Legislature, also recommends that schools offer counseling to students who have been questioned by Immigration Customs Enforcement agents.
The measure is supported by the California Teachers Association. Mendoza, whose district includes Artesia, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, Norwalk and other cities is a former teacher.
