California governor faces criticism over veto of Bill protecting diaspora communities

By A Representative 

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to veto Senate Bill 509, which aimed to protect residents from transnational repression by foreign governments, has sparked concern among several civil rights and diaspora groups. The bill, introduced by Senator Anna Caballero and co-authored by Assembly members Jasmeet Bains and Esmeralda Soria, was designed to safeguard activists and diaspora communities from intimidation, surveillance, and other forms of harassment orchestrated by overseas authorities. It had passed both the California Senate and Assembly with broad support.

The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), a Washington D.C.-based advocacy organization, voiced disappointment at the veto, calling it “a dangerous decision that leaves all Californians, from activists to everyday community members, vulnerable to repression, intimidation, and violence by foreign actors.” IAMC President Mohammed Jawad said the governor’s decision ignored “well-documented threats of violence and assassination directed against our community by the Indian government.”

The proposed legislation described transnational repression as a form of human rights violation used by some foreign governments to silence dissent and extend control over diaspora populations. It cited tactics such as extrajudicial killings, coercion of family members, online harassment, and targeted surveillance.

IAMC and other advocacy groups have previously alleged that Indian authorities have attempted to suppress dissent among expatriate communities. The organization’s report earlier this year detailed testimonies from Kashmiri and Muslim activists whose families were allegedly threatened by Indian officials and accused Indian consulates of facilitating intimidation efforts abroad.

Newsom’s veto comes amid ongoing debate over California’s approach to protecting vulnerable diaspora groups. In 2023, the governor also rejected SB403, a bill that sought to prohibit caste-based discrimination, which had similarly faced opposition from certain Hindu American groups.

IAMC said it would continue to advocate “alongside our allies for the safety and security of all Americans from transnational repression.”