| OLYMPIA — Last night, the Washington House of Representatives passed House Bill 2105, sponsored by Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, D–Mukilteo, to strengthen transparency and fairness when federal immigration inspections occur in Washington workplaces.
To watch Rep. Ortiz-Self’s floor remarks click here or below:
The Immigrant Workers Protection Act requires employers to provide timely written notice to employees when they learn there’ll be a federal I-9 inspection and post information about workers’ rights. The measure prohibits retaliation against employees who exercise those rights, and does not interfere with federal enforcement, it merely ensures that when inspections occur, both employers and employees have clear guidance and communication.
This legislation builds on Washington’s longstanding commitment to balanced immigration policy. In 2019, Rep. Ortiz-Self sponsored the House companion of Senate Bill 5497, known as the Keep Washington Working Act, which was signed into law that spring. The KWWA established clear boundaries between local agencies and federal immigration enforcement while affirming that public safety and economic stability are deeply connected. HB 2105 continues that work by bringing greater transparency and predictability to workplace inspections.
“Washington has already taken important steps to ensure clarity in how our state interacts with federal immigration enforcement,” said Ortiz-Self. “My bill builds on that foundation by making sure that when workplace inspections occur, there is clarity, fairness, and protection from retaliation — for workers and for the businesses that rely on them.”
Immigrants make up roughly one in five workers in Washington and are deeply embedded in key industries including agriculture, construction, hospitality, health care, and technology. Immigrants in our state paid nearly $23 billion in taxes in 2023, with undocumented immigrants contributing about $3 billion to that total.
“Immigrant workers are vital to Washington’s economy. Instead of undervaluing them, I hope we can acknowledge their contributions,” said Ortiz-Self and stressed that industries across the state depend on a steady workforce to meet demand and sustain economic growth.
“Fear and uncertainty can cause workplace disruptions, which have ripple effects throughout local communities. This legislation helps maintain a predictable, transparent environment where workers know their rights and businesses can plan for steady operations. Protecting workers, businesses and our economy go hand in hand,” Ortiz-Self added.
HB 2105 now heads to the Senate for further consideration. |
