A bill to provide unemployment benefits to illegal migrants is set to be reviewed by California’s Senate Appropriations Committee this week.
The Safety Net for All Workers Act, also known as SB 227, suggests offering laid-off illegal migrants $300 weekly for up to 20 weeks using state funds.
For context, during Covid lockdowns, California’s Employment Development Department(EDD) lost $40 billion to fraud rings and scams.
SB 227 is estimated to total $356 million as California is experiencing significant financial strain. Governor Newsom announced that the state’s budget deficit grew to nearly $32 billion, about $10 billion more than anticipated. Approximately half of California’s income comes from the top 1% of earners as well as businesses in the state.
With more migrants entering the state following the end of Title 42, there may be more illegal immigrants who will eventually rely on unemployment insurance.