Celebrating WAISN Legislative Wins!

Immigration
Written By Tara Miller

As steering committee members of Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN), we share in celebration of the following legislative wins! This session, members of Grupo de Soldaridad increased participation in sharing their testimonies at the state level. Thank you to all who demanded dignity, safety, and and justice for migrant communities - your work had an impact!

  • Immigrant Workers Protection Act (HB 2105): Workers will now receive timely notice if federal authorities seek to inspect employment eligibility documents. This ensures people can stay informed, respond appropriately, and have a better opportunity to return home safely.

  • Attorney General Civil Investigative Demands (SB 5925): The Attorney General now has stronger tools to investigate violations of state laws and uphold protections such as anti-discrimination measures, wage laws, and the Keep Washington Working Act.

  • Law Enforcement Leaders Eligibility & Standards (SB 5974): Establishes clear and consistent professional standards for sheriffs and law enforcement leaders, reinforcing accountability to state laws.

  • Banning Law Enforcement from Wearing Masks (SB 5855): Law enforcement officers will no longer be permitted to wear masks that obscure their identity, promoting transparency and accountability.

  • HB 2632 – Modernizing Terminology: State and local government documents will remove outdated and offensive terminology when referring to non-citizens.

  • Domestic Workers Bill of Rights (HB 2355): Domestic workers including nannies, house cleaners, and gardeners will gain essential protections such as minimum wage rights and other workplace standards.

  • Working Families Tax Credit Expansion (SB 6346): Ensures the wealthiest residents contribute fairly, generating revenue for vital services while expanding cash support to approximately 460,000 low-income households.

Lawmakers included $25 million in full funding within the state budget for the continuation of the Washington Migrant and Asylum-Seeker Support project (WAMASS). This funding, channeled through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (ORIA), will support services for another year. The budget language mirrors the Governor's proposal, allowing ORIA the flexibility to address emerging needs resulting from federal policy shifts and ongoing challenges facing immigrant communities.

Unfortunately, HEIC (Health Equity For Immigrants) faces cuts:

  • The legislature’s final budget includes $27.9M in cuts to Apple Health Expansion and has restructured the program away from a managed care model to fee-for-service model, with the stated aim to provide coverage for more people, however this structural change will result in lower-quality care.

  • The legislature also included language stating that HCA shall open enrollment for 5,000 individuals on January 1, 2027

Tara Miller
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