SF Lawmakers Push to Let Noncitizens Hold Democratic Party Positions

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State lawmakers from San Francisco proposed legislation Friday that would allow noncitizens to participate in Democratic Party politics as state convention delegates and county committee leaders.

{snip} Supporters of the new proposal noted that Democrats dominate California politics, and said it was important for noncitizens to have a say in party policymaking.

“We need to continue to send a very, very loud message that we are … going to embrace and uplift and support all American immigrant neighbors,” state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, said at a news conference at which he and other Democrats unveiled his bill, SB288.

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The bill would apply only to leadership roles and delegate positions in the Democratic Party. It would not apply to California’s Republican Party, whose leaders have not commented on the bill.

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State law now effectively bars noncitizens from running for party county central committees because members must be registered Democrats. Non-U.S. citizens cannot register to vote.

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Wiener said DACA recipients have led the push for the state party to change its rules. Some were barred from obtaining floor credentials at the state party’s recent convention in San Francisco, he said.

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Bahlam Vigil, 20, a college student, said he supports the change because it would allow undocumented immigrants such as his parents to feel more comfortable participating in politics.

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