WA Legislature passes Immigrant Worker Protection Act for I-9 transparency

Washington’s Legislature has passed the Immigrant Worker Protection Act, a bill Attorney General Nick Brown requested to improve fairness and transparency for immigrant workers at work. The measure would add new employer rules if federal immigration agents ask to review a worker’s I-9 employment eligibility documents.

If the Governor signs HB 2105, employers would have to tell the worker within five business days after an I-9 inspection by federal agents. The notice would need to be provided in English and in the five most common languages used in Washington.

The bill would also require employers to share the results of the I-9 inspection with the worker. In addition, employers would have to provide information about statewide resources and the worker’s rights, so workers can understand what happened and what options they may have.

The Attorney General’s office says the goal is to address how federal enforcement activity can create fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities. The bill’s supporters argue that workers should have access to the same information employers receive when federal authorities review employment records.

The proposal also includes workplace protections aimed at limiting harm to workers. It would prohibit retaliation for using rights under the law, and it would allow the Attorney General’s Office to investigate possible violations and take legal action, with workers also able to sue to stop violations or seek money damages.