Blue state proposes protections for unemployed illegal immigrants

A Washington state Democrat is proposing a new policy to provide assistance to undocumented immigrants who are unable to receive unemployment benefits. This initiative comes at a time when President-elect Trump and his border czar-designate Thomas Homan are signaling a strict crackdown on illegal immigration, including talk of mass deportation plans that would reverse the Biden-era status quo.

State Sen. Rebecca Saldaña, from Seattle, is introducing a bill that aims to ensure that Washington residents who are legally ineligible to work in the U.S. – a group largely comprised of undocumented immigrants – have access to necessary assistance. Saldaña’s office highlighted the substantial contributions that undocumented workers have made to Washington’s economy, noting that they collectively paid nearly $400 million in unemployment taxes over the past decade.

The proposed legislation is not new for Saldaña, as she has reintroduced similar bills during both Democrat and Republican administrations in the past. Her office emphasized that the systemic inequities in the immigration system have long been a concern, and providing unemployment benefits to eligible undocumented workers could help stabilize the workforce and prevent future cases of poverty and homelessness resulting from job loss.

Senate Minority Leader John Braun, a Republican from Centralia, acknowledged the proposal but emphasized that immigration issues are primarily a federal matter. Under current federal law, illegal immigrants, individuals with expired work authorizations, and dependents of certain visa holders are not eligible to apply for unemployment compensation.

In other states like Colorado, undocumented workers can access a Benefit Recovery Fund for assistance in certain circumstances. However, in California, similar efforts to provide aid to undocumented immigrants were vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom rejected legislation that would have allowed illegal immigrants better access to home loans and mortgages, highlighting the varying approaches to immigration policies across different states.

Overall, Saldaña’s bill aims to address the challenges faced by undocumented workers in accessing essential benefits and support. By recognizing their contributions to the economy and providing a safety net during times of need, the legislation could have a positive impact on Washington’s economy and workforce.

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