Catholic Social Teaching calls us to uphold the dignity of every human life and to care for those who are most vulnerable. As people of faith and conscience, we believe that healthcare is a human right—not a privilege—and that our laws and budgets must reflect the inherent worth of every person, regardless of immigration status. Pope Francis reminds us in Fratelli Tutti that, “it matters little whether my neighbor was born in my country or elsewhere.” Yet today, many immigrants and refugees in Washington remain excluded from essential healthcare services, even while contributing over $23 billion in taxes each year. This is both a moral and policy failure—and one we have the power and responsibility to address.

We call on the Washington State Legislature to adopt, at a minimum, the House’s budget proposal and fully fund programs that support immigrant communities. This includes investments in healthcare access, legal aid, community safety, support for asylum-seekers, undocumented students, and youth in care. These priorities strengthen families, promote public health, reduce long-term costs, and uphold the values we share. This is not just a fiscal choice—it is a moral one.