A proposed Washington state bill has sparked controversy by proposing to extend housing and cash assistance to non-citizens, raising concerns among Republicans who fear illegal immigrants may benefit from the change. The measure, which is currently under review, would allow undocumented individuals to access state-funded housing and cash assistance programs, a provision that has drawn significant opposition from conservative lawmakers and advocacy groups.
Critics argue that the bill could weaken existing immigration enforcement by creating new pathways for undocumented individuals to access public resources. They warn that expanding eligibility for social services to non-citizens could deter immigration reform efforts and place additional strain on state budgets. The bill’s sponsors, however, emphasize that the program is intended to help vulnerable populations, including low-income families and individuals without access to traditional safety nets.
Several Republican lawmakers have already expressed their opposition to the measure, with some calling it a threat to national security and the rule of law. The proposal comes amid ongoing debates over immigration policy in the United States, with bipartisan efforts to address border security and the treatment of undocumented immigrants. While the bill’s passage would represent a significant shift in state-level policy, its impact on federal immigration law remains unclear.