Asylum seekers, refugees cleared to serve as police officers in Washington state after legislature passes bill

A controversial bill allowing non-US citizens to serve as law enforcement officers in Washington state has cleared the Legislature and now heads to Governor Bob Ferguson’s desk, where he is expected to sign it into law.

Engrossed Senate Bill 5068 expands eligibility for several public safety positions to anyone legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law, removing longstanding requirements that many of those jobs be limited to US citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Under the measure, individuals such as refugees, asylees, and certain visa holders could apply for positions with law enforcement agencies. If hired and certified, they would be able to carry firearms, make arrests, and enforce Washington law. The bill also expands eligibility to corrections officers, civil service police and firefighters, Department of Fish and Wildlife officers, and deputy prosecuting attorneys, provided applicants pass the required background checks and certification standards.

Supporters say the change aligns state hiring laws with federal work authorization rules and could help address Washington’s chronic shortage of police officers. The state has long ranked last in the nation for officers per capita, according to law enforcement groups and legislative testimony.

However, the legislation comes as Governor Ferguson’s separate effort to increase police hiring has struggled to gain traction. Lawmakers previously approved a $100 million grant program intended to help local governments hire new officers, but nearly a year later, no officers have been hired through the program, and none of the funds have yet reached police departments.

Critics say the slow rollout, combined with new eligibility rules allowing non-citizens to serve as officers, raises questions about the state’s broader approach to addressing Washington’s law enforcement staffing shortage.

In the Washington House, four Republican lawmakers joined Democrats in voting for the bill: Rep. Brian Burnett (R–Wenatchee), Rep. Tom Dent (R–Moses Lake), Rep. Mike Steele (R–Chelan), and Rep. Kevin Waters (R–Stevenson).

The legislation includes an emergency clause, meaning it would take effect immediately once signed by the governor.