In this 5th episode of the Look West immigration series Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez joins us to talk about her personal immigration story, the most pervasive myths about immigrants and her work to keep immigrant families together. The first piece of legislation Assemblywoman Rodriguez wrote after being elected is called the Family Preparedness Plan Act (AB 495) and it’s goal is to make sure children are not separated from the their families. It’s also a priority bill for the Legislative Women’s Caucus.

Look West: How California is Leading the Nation

[email protected] (Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez, Taltha de Mesa, boris cardenas)

Immigration Stories - Keeping Families Together

JUL 17, 202521 MIN
Look West: How California is Leading the Nation

Immigration Stories - Keeping Families Together

JUL 17, 202521 MIN

Description

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando) introduces her first bill in the 2025-26 legislative session, AB 495 – The Family Safety Plan Act, which will provide support to immigrant and mixed-status families by ensuring safety plans are in place in the event of immigration enforcement actions.“The threats from the federal administration have led to fear in many communities including mine,” said Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez. “We must do everything we can to safeguard families from separation and ensure children are supported. AB 495 is a critical tool that will preserve California’s families.”Forty-five percent of California children have at least one immigrant parent. An estimated 1 million children in California have at least one undocumented parent, and approximately 133,000 children in California public schools are undocumented. This bill protects children in immigrant families by ensuring that families have safety plans in place in case of immigration enforcement actions.Assemblywoman Rodriguez represents the 43rd Assembly District, which includes the City of San Fernando and communities across the Northeast San Fernando Valley, including Arleta, Sun Valley, Sylmar, Pacoima, Panorama City, North Hollywood, Lake View Terrace, Valley Glen, Mission Hills and North Hills.