Illegal aliens with criminal convictions in Washington state could soon be granted “expedited” pardons and commutations under a Democrat-backed bill — potentially jumping ahead of American citizens in line for clemency.

H.B. 1131, which has now passed both chambers of the state legislature, directs the Washington Clemency and Pardons Board to prioritize cases where a criminal faces “pending deportation.” In other words, illegal immigrants facing removal for serious crimes could get faster reviews than American citizens simply trying to clear their records.

“If a petitioner indicates an urgent need for the pardon or commutation including, but not limited to, a pending deportation order, the board shall consider expedited review of the application,” the bill reads.

The vote was sharply divided along party lines: not a single Republican voted for it in either the House or Senate. Just seven Democrats in the House crossed over to oppose it.

Republicans have slammed the measure as a slap in the face to Americans — especially victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants. State Sen. Leonard Christian (R-Spokane Valley) said bluntly, “Everybody in this state, in this country, deserves equal justice in the same amount of time.”

State GOP Chairman Rep. Jim Walsh (R-Aberdeen) warned that the bill treats “criminals as if they were victims,” calling it part of a dangerous trend in radical progressive politics.

Supporters of the bill, however, argued that noncitizens deserve special treatment because deportation proceedings move faster than most clemency petitions. “They can’t wait two years for a hearing,” said Jennie Pasquarella of the Seattle Clemency Project. She claimed many offenses by illegal aliens were for “victimless” crimes.

Critics were quick to point out the absurdity of that claim. The bill’s defenders cited drug offenses, theft, and burglary — so-called “nonviolent” crimes — as examples of cases that might warrant an expedited pardon. But with over 87,000 Americans dying of drug overdoses last year alone, and countless families victimized by theft and burglary, many lawmakers pushed back hard.

Walsh was crystal clear: “H.B. 1131 undermines public safety in Washington and puts law-abiding people at risk.”

The legislation also would expand the clemency board from five members to ten — all of whom would now be paid for their work.

Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat who’s now under pressure from activists to sign the bill, has not yet publicly stated whether he will approve it.

The move has sparked outrage far beyond Washington state. Many Americans see it as just the latest example of illegal aliens being prioritized over citizens — this time at the direct expense of public safety and the rule of law.

If signed, Washington would become one of the first states in the country to openly fast-track criminal illegal immigrants for pardons — a move that critics say could set a dangerous precedent nationwide.