California Proposition 187 (1994): Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

California Proposition 187 was a proposition introduced in California in 1994 to deny illegal immigrants (or those suspected of being so) social services, health care, and public education. It was introduced by assemblyman Dick Mountjoy (Republican from Monrovia, California).

The proposition came before voters on the November 8, 1994 general election, where it received 59% of the vote. It became law the next day.

Its constitutionality was immediately challenged in several cases. On November 11, 1994, federal judge Matthew Byrne issued a temporary restraining order against it. The case worked its way through the courts. The multiple cases were consolidated and brought before judge Mariana Pfaelzer. In 1998, newly elected Governor Gray Davis (who had opposed the proposition) had the case brought before mediation. Following this, he dropped the appeals process before the courts, effectively killing the law.