Proposition 187 (CA) - Middle School

What Was Proposition 187?

Proposition 187, also called the "Save Our State" initiative, was a California ballot measure in 1994. It tried to stop undocumented immigrants (people living in the United States without legal immigration status) from receiving some public services, such as public education and non-emergency healthcare.

On November 8, 1994, 59% of California voters approved the measure. However, it was never fully put into effect because federal courts ruled that it was unconstitutional, meaning it went against the U.S. Constitution.

What Did Proposition 187 Do?

If it had taken effect, Proposition 187 would have:

• Stopped undocumented immigrants from attending public schools and colleges.

• Prevented them from receiving non-emergency healthcare and some social services.

• Required teachers, doctors, and other public employees to report people they believed were undocumented to government officials.

• Made it a serious crime under California law to make, sell, or use fake citizenship or residency documents.

What Happened Next?

Many people strongly opposed Proposition 187. Civil rights organizations quickly challenged the law in court. Federal judges ruled that California could not make its own immigration rules because immigration is the responsibility of the federal government. The courts also decided that children could not be denied a public K–12 education because of their immigration status.

In 1999, California Governor Gray Davis ended the state's effort to defend the law, officially bringing Proposition 187 to an end.

Why Is It Important?

Proposition 187 had a lasting impact on California politics. Many immigrant families and communities became more involved in voting and civic life after the measure was proposed. Over time, California changed from a state that often voted Republican to one that usually votes Democratic in statewide elections.