Through the Static

By Hannah Saunders

The Immigrant Worker Protection Act passed through the legislature and made its way to Governor Bob Ferguson’s desk last week. If signed, Washington state employers would be required to provide workers with notices of I-9 documentation inspections that relate to employment eligibility for immigrants. The bill text, House Bill 2105, notes the importance of keeping families together, and workers’ economical contributions to society.

“According to research from the immigration research initiative, immigrants account for 15 percent of the population in Washington state, yet contribute 21 percent of economic output, or gross domestic product (GDP). Immigrant workers contribute an estimated $145,000,000,000 to Washington state’s GDP per year,” according to the text. 

Businesses will be required to place up posters that inform workers of the five business day notice requirements, which will also apply to employee record requests, in English and the five most-commonly non-English languages spoken in Washington. This poster should clarify where the business will continue to communicate information. The Attorney General will also be required to make changes to its website, and conduct outreach to businesses.

“Within five business days of its receipt of a written notice of results of an inspection of I-9 forms and any related worker records by a federal agency, an employer shall: Provide to each affected worker and the worker’s authorized representative, if any, a copy of the written notice from the federal agency,” according to the text. 

If employers violate this Act, people can sue for damages and the Attorney General’s Office can investigate. 

“This legislation helps ensure workers are treated with fairness and respect by requiring transparency when federal immigration enforcement actions impact the workplace,” Sen. Rebecca Saldaña said. “Workers deserve to know what’s happening and to have the opportunity to respond and protect their rights.” 

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