House Bill 1875, proposed in Washington state, seeks to allow workers to use their paid sick leave for immigration proceedings. Sponsored by Rep. Osman Salahuddin, D-Redmond, the bill passed the House with a 58-39 vote and was recently reviewed by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee. It aims to help immigrants facing strict federal policies by enabling them to take paid sick leave for essential immigration-related activities, such as legal status adjustments and family reunifications.
Currently, Washington law grants workers one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, usable for illness, family care, health-related school closures, and incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. House Bill 1875 intends to explicitly include time for immigration proceedings within these provisions.
Supporters like Salahuddin and Danielle Alvarado of the Fair Work Center argue that the bill provides vital clarity for immigrant workers who risk permanent family separation if they miss important hearings. Employers would be able to request advance notice and documentation for absences beyond three days, with provisions to protect the worker’s immigration status from disclosure.
Opponents, including retail lobbyists and Republicans such as Rep. Joel McEntire, R-Cathlamet, stress that sick leave should remain strictly for health-related issues, emphasizing adherence to the traditional definition.
House Bill 1875 underscores the need for legislative support for immigrant communities under federal scrutiny, reflecting a trend toward broader protections and rights for immigrants. The bill highlights the ongoing debate about the proper use of paid leave in the workplace.
In summary, House Bill 1875 represents a key legislative effort to support immigrant workers in Washington by extending paid sick leave to include immigration-related proceedings. This bill signifies a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by immigrants in today’s socio-political environment.
