Hundreds of demonstrators in Olympia gathered on the state Capitol grounds to demand healthcare and unemployment assistance for undocumented immigrants. The protestors started on the Olympia Campus Lawn and made their way to the Legislative Building’s front. While marching, many chanted and held signs against the Trump administration’s mass deportation policies and advocated for improved safety measures for undocumented working immigrants in Washington.

The Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) arranged the protest, with backing from elected leaders like Senator Rebecca Saldaña, Representative Lillian Ortiz-Self, and Olympia Mayor Pro Tem Yến Huỳnh. The executive director of WAISN, Brenda Rodriguez Lopez, expressed outrage over the mistreatment of immigrants.

WAISN and other local leaders, while unable to control federal immigration enforcement, support a legislative bill designed to help undocumented workers get access to healthcare and unemployment insurance. Approximately 246,000 undocumented immigrants live in the state of Washington, half of whom have no insurance. Lopez argued for the bills, noting that thousands of immigrant workers in Washington are denied their right to healthcare and an adequate income.

One of these proposed bills is the Health Equity for Immigrants bill, which would expand health care access to all low-income residents, regardless of their immigration status. The immigration status of workers does not affect a bill that would offer state-provided unemployment benefits. SB 5626, known as the Wage Replacement Program for Excluded Undocumented Workers, targets workers who contribute taxes but do not qualify for standard unemployment insurance. Over 4,000 workers stand to reap benefits if this separate unemployment system is established.

The protests saw people advocating for immigrant rights and labor, sharing their experiences of living and working without access to healthcare benefits and unemployment insurance. The bill is considered necessary for protecting immigrants who lose their jobs and can’t afford fundamental necessities, despite concerns about cost from business groups.

For those facing unemployment challenges, particularly during the demanding times of the current COVID-19 pandemic, it might be useful to understand how to contact California’s Employment Development Department (EDD). EDD can provide assistance and answer questions about unemployment benefits and insurance. For quick and efficient ways of getting in touch with EDD, individuals can visit eddcaller.com for guidance.