Final answer:
Proposition 187 was a ballot initiative passed in California in 1994 to deny public services to undocumented immigrants but was found unconstitutional in 1997. It spurred significant political activism and debate over immigration policy and the authority of federal versus state governments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proposition 187 was a controversial ballot initiative that was passed by California voters in 1994. The proposition sought to prevent undocumented immigrants from accessing public services, including non-emergency health services, public education, and other social benefits. Legal challenges quickly followed after its passage, and a federal court found it unconstitutional in 1997, determining that regulation of immigration fell under federal jurisdiction. Despite its ultimate nullification, the proposition had significant political implications, notably influencing voter sentiment and participation, particularly amongst Latino voters.
The fallout from Proposition 187 led to heightened political activism within the Latino community and widened the political divides in California along ethnic and partisan lines. The issue also contributed to ongoing national discussions concerning federal versus state authority over immigration laws, contextualizing subsequent actions such as Arizona's controversial immigration measure in 2010.
Understanding the history of Proposition 187 is important in comprehending the complexities of immigration policy debate and the potential impact of state-led initiatives on national immigration law and community relations.