A recently passed bill in Washington could allow illegal immigrants to access cash assistance through housing programs, which has raised some concerns. Last month, the state’s Democratic-led Congress approved SB 5232, which has been sent to Governor Bob Ferguson.
This bill updates aspects of the Housing and Intrinsic Needs Referral Program (HEN), providing support to low-income U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, and victims of human trafficking who may have health issues preventing them from working.
Critics argue the bill’s language has changed, removing the requirement that recipients must be “citizens or aliens residing in the U.S. legally.” Senator Leonard Christian, a member of the Senate Human Services Committee, commented, “This year looks like a non-citizen year.” He expressed frustration at the willingness to allocate funds to non-citizens, including $150 million set aside for Medicaid for this group.
“It seems like the nation is trying to counter the Trump administration,” he remarked. Meanwhile, about $130 million has been allocated for addressing homelessness and housing through the HEN Program.
In a social media post, legislator Travisculle criticized SB 5232 for essentially creating a “bigger budget” for “more recipients,” suggesting it would disadvantage locals: “Our own people will be kicked out of the line in favour of illegal immigrants.” He urged Governor Ferguson to prioritize residents first.
As of now, Governor Ferguson has not announced whether he will sign the law. The bill’s sponsors have also not commented.
Christian referred to the current government’s approach to funding distribution as “taxpayer dollar gifts,” noting a lack of safeguards. He recounted personal experiences from his childhood, illustrating the potential downsides of giving cash assistance without oversight.
Statewide, Democrats continue to advocate for raising taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals, often at the expense of middle and lower-income residents. Christian criticized this mindset, suggesting that Democrats often act more out of compassion than pragmatism, while Republicans tend to consider the wider implications of such policies.
He concluded by highlighting a significant budget shortfall—around $16 billion—facing the state. Recently, Ferguson signed a few bills aimed at protecting immigrant rights, including provisions preventing bail bond agents from enforcing immigration laws.
