Dr. Bains’ bill protecting diaspora communities is a historic first for California

Dr. Bains’ bill protecting diaspora communities is a historic first for California

AB 3027 represents a first historic step toward California recognizing the dangers of
transnational repression.

(Sacramento, CA) April 22, 2024 – Dr. Jasmeet Bains’ (D-Delano) proposal to address transnational repression continues to move swiftly with unanimous and bipartisan support through the legislative process, passing out of the Assembly Emergency Management Committee.

“Foreign governments are increasingly attacking the rights of dissidents and religious and ethnic minorities – not just within their borders, but after those individuals make new homes in places where they should be safe, including within US borders.” Dr. Bains said. AB 3027 represents a first historic step toward California recognizing the dangers of transnational repression. The bill defines transnational repression in law, requires local law enforcement to develop training to recognize and respond to transnational repression, and asserts that the State of California has a policy of protecting communities from transnational repression. Transnational repression is any action by a foreign government that attacks or intimidates an individual outside its borders. The attacks can come in many forms, including extrajudicial killings, surveillance, cyberattacks, and online harassment.

“Transnational Repression is a unique and growing threat to an increasing number of diaspora communities including Sikh Americans, Chinese, Iranian, and Russian communities. Last year, the Sikh community witnessed two prominent cases, one resulting in the tragic death of a Sikh activist in Canada, and the other in an indictment of a perpetrator targeting a Sikh American,” said Kavneet Singh, Acting Executive Director of SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund).

In a coordinated attack on June 18, 2023, Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot and killed outside a place of worship in Surrey, British Columbia. By September 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of organizing the killing and stated that there was credible evidence of a link between the killers and agents of the Indian Government. United States law enforcement agencies thwarted an additional plot to murder an American Sikh, this time in New York City, in November 2023. The incident on United States soil also pointed to the credible involvement of the Indian Government. SALDEF, in their letter of support for AB 3027, calls the bill “a necessary effort by California to protect the lives of its residents from foreign authoritarian regimes and stop transnational repression.”

The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate are also considering similar legislation on transnational repression this session. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ-4) have both introduced bills in 2023, but no action has been taken on these bills since.

The Assembly Appropriations Committee will next consider the bill.

About SALDEF

SALDEF (The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) is the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization. Based in Washington D.C., SALDEF works to build Sikh American capacity through education, fostering community, and civic engagement. By engaging with federal and state leaders, publishing critical policy reports, placing Sikh Americans in government and advocacy internships across the nation, and more. SALDEF is paving a brighter path for future generations. www.saldef.org

About State Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains 

Dr. Jasmeet Bains represents the 35th Assembly District in Kern County which includes the cities of Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Arvin, Shafter, and McFarland.