CA Senate OKs $300 Weekly Aid for Jobless Undocumented.
California Senate Votes to Provide Weekly Checks to Unemployed Illegal Immigrants
Despite facing a massive $31.5 billion deficit and a surge in illegal immigration, the California Senate has voted to provide $300 weekly checks to unemployed illegal immigrants. This controversial move was made possible by the passing of Senate Bill 227 by Democratic state senators, which offers undocumented aliens up to 20 weeks of unemployment benefits if they meet minimal work requirements.
While the bill is expected to pass the Assembly, Governor Gavin Newsom has not yet indicated whether he plans to sign it. Newsom has previously labeled California a “sanctuary” state, welcoming illegal immigrants and calling the state a “model of partnership for a safe and welcoming border.”
Unemployment Fund Officials Barred from Verifying Eligibility
Under SB 227, unemployment fund officials would be prohibited from asking for claimants’ social security number eligibility or contacting past or present employers to verify their job status. Instead, applicants would self-attest that they meet the requirements for the weekly checks, which include having earned at least $1,300 or worked at least 93 hours over three months. Acceptable documentation would include tax returns, transaction logs on payment apps, and receipts that show a commuting pattern.
Controversial Move Sparks Debate
The passing of SB 227 has sparked a heated debate, with many arguing that it is unfair to provide benefits to illegal immigrants while California employers are already struggling to pay off the state’s $20 billion unemployment insurance fund debt. Critics also point out that the state already offers free health coverage and driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, and that more than two million undocumented aliens live in California.
- Immigration, LGBT, and environmental organizations
- Powerful labor unions
Despite the controversy, a formidable list of Democratic-aligned lobbying groups are pushing for the bill’s passage, including:
“This bill needs further work to address the operational issues and fiscal concerns, including a dedicated funding source for benefits.”
Last year, Newsom vetoed a similar bill that would have established an unemployment insurance pilot program for undocumented workers, saying:
Protecting the rights of all Californians, regardless of their immigration status, is a top priority for our administration,” Newsom said in a statement. “We will continue to work with the Legislature to ensure that all Californians have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.”
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