California moves to give unemployment benefits to illegal immigrants as border crisis grows

Democrat politicians in California have been considering a proposal that will grant illegal aliens residing in the state the ability to receive unemployment benefits, as Title 42 expired last week.

Sen. María Elena Durazo (D), who sponsored the bill, lamented that illegal aliens "continue to be shut out from California’s economic success" despite their work in industries such as agriculture, clothing and construction, according to Fox News.



SB 227, also known as the Safety Net for All Workers Act, will use state funds to give illegal aliens who claim to have no work $300 a week, lasting up to 20 weeks.

Weekly handouts and other governmental costs related to the legislation are expected to run the state $356 million. 

Meanwhile, California is being stretched on its funds, with the state budget deficit now at tens of billions of dollars.

Addressing the lack of funds on Friday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom described it as "a $31.5 billion challenge."

This number is apparently far higher than expected, as Newsom predicted in a budget proposal he put forth in January that the deficit would be about $10 billion less.

"This was not an easy budget, but I hope you see we will try to do our best to hold the line and take care of the most vulnerable and most needy but still maintain prudence," Newsom said.

Fox News noted that the surge of migrants into California amid the end of Title 42 may result in higher numbers of people claiming unemployment money.

Massive numbers of migrants were seen lining up by the US-Mexico border, likely in anticipation of the expiration of Title 42. Video captured by American journalist Tayler Hansen showed large migrant encampments, as well as US soldiers, posted up in Texas in order to prevent outsiders from coming in unauthorized.

Meanwhile, around 15,000 migrants were reportedly seen by the California side of the US-Mexico border in Tijuana last week, occupying shelters, hotels, and even outdoor encampments in anticipation of Title 42's expiration.