Washington residents who don’t qualify for state unemployment benefits because of their immigration status may be eligible for weekly cash relief through a new program….
Workers across Washington deserve permanent support from the state, reads a press release about the pilot benefits fund, regardless of their citizenship status. The press release, sent out Tuesday, included a supportive statement from state Sen. Rebecca Saldaña, D-Seattle.
“From agriculture to the service industry, undocumented workers are the lifeline of our state’s economy,” Saldaña said. “They are our neighbors, friends, and family. They contribute to our communities and pay their share of taxes. I’m glad that, at least in the short term, undocumented workers will be able to access a program that keeps so many other working families afloat. … Next session, we must pass a bill that will expand unemployment benefits for all workers, regardless of status.”
