California, America’s most populous state—with the dimensions, economy, power, and international ties, if not the sovereignty, of a nation—can and should play a leading role in attempting to break the U.S. legislative impasse on immigration policy and in forging policies to integrate immigrants more successfully into twenty-first century America. It should do so because California has long-standing, unique and relevant experience with immigration; because Californians have a huge stake in reforming the country’s dysfunctional immigration regime; and because they are ready to take the lead in demonstrating positive approaches to integrating immigrants.

 

This will not be a simple matter, particularly as making and implementing immigration policy are obviously and necessarily federal responsibilities. But the issue is so central to California’s future that the state should try to find ways to specify and promote its interests, and to help lead and shape national policy.

From its earliest days, California...