Washington state lawmakers are facing heated debate following the passage of a bill that could allow undocumented immigrants to receive housing support benefits.
The Democrat-led Legislature approved Senate Bill 5232 in April, which -- if signed into law -- would remove legal residency requirements for recipients of a state housing aid program, drawing criticism amid a significant budget shortfall, as Fox News reports, a move sure to infuriate the Trump administration.
Senate Bill 5232 was passed by Washington’s legislature, controlled by Democrats, and is now awaiting action from Gov. Bob Ferguson. The bill focuses on the state’s Housing and Essential Needs Referral Program, or HEN, which helps low-income individuals unable to work due to mental or physical illness.
Under current rules, only those legally in the United States -- such as citizens, lawful permanent residents, and others with legal status -- can receive these benefits. The new bill seeks to remove that legal residency requirement, potentially expanding access to undocumented immigrants. The legislation has sparked strong opposition from some Republican lawmakers and budget critics, pointing to the state’s financial issues.
Washington is currently facing a projected $16 billion gap in its budget. The HEN program already receives about $130 million in funding from the state. Opponents argue that expanding eligibility could stretch resources even thinner. State Sen. Leonard Christian has been one of the most vocal critics of the bill. “This year seems to be the year for noncitizens,” Christian said, questioning the state’s financial priorities. He also referred to previous Medicaid expansions for noncitizens, arguing that the cumulative costs are unsustainable.
Christian also took personal issue with the method of distributing cash assistance, warning from lived experience that unrestricted funds could be misused. “He used the money that was given to my mom to buy groceries and food for us kids, to buy marijuana and alcohol at the age of 12,” he said, reflecting on the potential downsides of poorly monitored financial aid.
While the bill has cleared the Legislature, it will not become law unless Ferguson signs it. Ferguson, a Democrat, has not yet stated if he will approve or veto the legislation. Fox News Digital reached out to Ferguson’s office and to the sponsors of the bill for comment. As of now, no confirmation has been given on the governor’s decision regarding SB 5232.
In recent months, Ferguson has supported measures aimed at strengthening immigrant protections in the state. These include new laws that ban bail bond agents from enforcing immigration rules and give the state authority to inspect private detention facilities.
Detractors of SB 5232 argue that giving undocumented immigrants access to housing aid may come at the expense of people who are legally residing in Washington. That concern has been echoed by Republican Rep. Travis Couture. “Same budget with more recipients. That means our people get kicked out of line in favor of illegal immigrants,” Couture said, urging the governor to reject the measure. “Gov. Ferguson -- veto this. It’s unfair and it’s wrong. Put our own people first!”
Christian expressed similar concerns about what he sees as the economic burden of expanding social support programs. He accused fellow lawmakers of ignoring financial consequences. “They don’t get the fact that somebody else has got to pay for that crazy program,” he said, pointing to what he describes as unrealistic policymaking.
Supporters of the legislation argue that HEN exists to help individuals in critical situations regardless of legal status. Removing legal residency as a requirement, they say, ensures that those unable to work due to serious health issues are not denied basic needs like housing.
Though not quoted directly, bill sponsors have emphasized that access to stable housing could reduce homelessness, improve public health outcomes, and reduce emergency service costs in the long term. They contend that aid should be based on need, not immigration status. Still, the issue remains politically delicate as Washington continues to grapple with financial challenges and an increasingly divided electorate on immigration policy.
Ferguson has only a narrow window to decide the fate of SB 5232. His choice will likely intensify a growing debate over who should benefit from state-funded support programs, and what role immigration status should play in eligibility decisions.
Many are watching closely to see whether Ferguson aligns with the Legislature’s majority or responds to criticism from the bill’s detractors. His decision could set a precedent for how far individual states may go in offering benefits to undocumented immigrants.
Whether signed or vetoed, the bill has already ignited discussion around social responsibility, state spending, and legal definitions of eligibility -- issues that will remain central as lawmakers continue to address the needs of vulnerable populations.
