How has California's immigration policy changed over time?

California's immigration policy has undergone significant changes over the past century. In the early 20th century, California had relatively open immigration policies, with a significant number of immigrants coming from Europe and Asia. However, with the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment and the passage of federal laws such as the Chinese Exclusion Act, California began to implement stricter immigration policies.

During the Great Depression, California sought to limit the number of immigrants coming into the state, and in the 1930s and 1940s, the state passed a number of laws designed to restrict immigration. In the 1950s and 1960s, California's immigration policies began to liberalize again, with the state's economy booming and a need for more workers. However, the 1990s saw a resurgence of anti-immigrant sentiment, and California passed a number of laws designed to limit the rights of undocumented immigrants.

Today, California is known for having some of the most immigrant-friendly policies in the country, with protections for undocumented immigrants and a number of programs designed to integrate immigrants into society. However, the state's policies are still subject to debate and controversy, with some arguing that they are too lenient and others arguing that they are not doing enough to protect the rights of immigrants.