Washington State Bill Proposes Unemployment Benefits for Illegal Immigrants Amid Budget Crisis – JP
Washington State Senator Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle) has introduced a bill that would allocate state funds to provide unemployment benefits to illegal immigrants, despite the state’s $10-17 billion budget deficit. The proposed legislation, SB 5023, aims to create a separate program for workers ineligible for federal unemployment insurance due to their immigration status.
The bill would direct the state’s Employment Security Department to refer eligible workers to a third-party-administered website where they could apply for benefits. Saldaña claims the system would safeguard the identities of illegal immigrants and prevent employers from facing legal repercussions for hiring workers without authorization.
If enacted, the program would cost $100 million in the first two-year budget cycle and $140 million in the next, benefiting an estimated 5,300 workers annually. The funding would come from state resources, as federal law prohibits unemployment benefits for individuals who cannot legally work in the U.S.
Washington has an estimated 156,000 illegal immigrants employed in the state, according to the Washington State Standard. Advocates argue the program would address inequities for workers contributing to the economy but excluded from federal assistance.
The proposal comes as Washington faces significant financial challenges. Outgoing Governor Jay Inslee proposed measures such as a wealth tax to address the deficit, while incoming Democratic Governor Bob Ferguson suggested a 6% across-the-board budget cut. Critics have questioned the wisdom of introducing new expenses amid such economic strain.
This approach has drawn comparisons to other states. Colorado became the first state in 2022 to establish an unemployment fund for illegal immigrants, budgeting $15 million annually. California legislators proposed similar measures, but Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed them, citing the state’s own fiscal deficit.
Saldaña’s legislative history has sparked controversy. In 2021, she supported progressive candidate Ubax Gardheere despite past incidents, including threats to a school bus. Saldaña has also faced criticism for violating state driving laws while discussing transportation policies on a Zoom call.
As Washington grapples with its fiscal crisis, the proposed program raises questions about balancing social welfare initiatives with financial responsibility. The bill’s progress will likely ignite heated debate among lawmakers and residents alike.