Over a quarter of San Diegans were born in another country.
Immigrants and refugees are an integral part of San Diego County,
bringing rich cultural diversity and helping drive our local economy.
Immigrant families are often fleeing government persecution, sex
trafficking, and poverty.
Supervisor Lawson-Remer created the Immigrant Legal Defense Program
(ILDP), making San Diego County the first border region with a
permanent program providing free representation to community members
facing removal proceedings. This program, now in its fourth year, has
provided legal representation to over 2,500 individuals. The ILDP
makes our court system more efficient and protects the dignity and
well-being of asylum seekers, and children, spouses and family members
of U.S. citizens.
San Diego County has come a long way in how it responds to the needs
of immigrant families, but more needs to be done to ensure all
immigrant families receive support and are welcome.
Upon joining the Board of Supervisors in 2021, Supervisor Terra
Lawson-Remer ushered in a new majority, and has proven to be an
important leader for protecting and advancing our shared values
throughout San Diego County. Supervisor Lawson-Remer and her
colleagues have moved quickly to put greater emphasis on programs and
policies, such as equitable access to food, housing, healthcare, and
emergency services. They've also fought for better benefits and labor
standards for the County of San Diego's workers.
Supervisor Lawson-Remer has built a more healthy, sustainable,
equitable, inclusive, and just San Diego. She is aiming to give
genuine ownership and leadership to community members and partners,
and uplift vibrant coalitions.
Policies passed to defend our shared values include:
• Declaring the County of San Diego a champion of reproductive
freedom, supporting the addition of the right to choose to the
California State Constitution, and strengthening access to
reproductive healthcare and abortion;
• Declaring racism a public health crisis, denouncing Xenophobia and
anti-Asian racism, and denouncing antisemitic rhetoric and hate crimes
toward Jewish people;
• Eliminating discrimination against women, and uplifting the LGBTQ+
community countywide;
• Creating more opportunities for neurodivergent workers.
