On January 28, 2025, the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) and Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) hosted a virtual training for service providers on immigration policy followed by questions and answers. This free, public session covered several key topics, including: While there are many Know Your Rights… [ Keep reading ]
Asylum is an essential promise of providing safety to people fleeing violence and persecution that is protected under international and domestic U.S. law. However, the asylum process can be complicated and difficult, especially for people who have suffered trauma and faced perilous journeys to seek refuge. With these challenges in… [ Keep reading ]
The City of Seattle and our region are deeply impacted by the extensive cultural and economic contributions of our immigrant and refugee communities who play a pivotal role in driving innovation and fostering growth. These communities are integral to the fabric of our city. However, they encounter unique barriers in… [ Keep reading ]
Each year, thousands of immigrant children are placed into court proceedings in which government prosecutors seek to deport them unless those children can prove they have a right to stay in the United States. Like adults, children in removal proceedings have the right to legal representation but only if hire their… [ Keep reading ]
At OIRA, we actively promote our mission by advocating for and advancing policies and legislative actions aimed at enhancing the well-being of immigrant and refugee communities in Seattle. Annually, our office conducts analysis, provides feedback, and endorses various proposed policies that align with the city’s legislative agenda. As a Welcoming… [ Keep reading ]
The Seattle area is not alone in receiving an influx of migrants and asylum seekers over the last few months. Unfortunately, there’s no easy solutions or national model for sheltering and caring for asylum seekers. The expertise required to tackle the issues at hand, including the emergency management, sheltering, transitional… [ Keep reading ]
Public services and benefits currently available to Ukrainian Nationals Ukrainian Citizens Currently in the U.S. may be Eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Humanitarian Parole (Uniting for Ukraine Program) How to Apply for Refugee Status How to Apply for Asylum Travel to the U.S. as Ukrainian Nationals Державні послуги… [ Keep reading ]
Versión en Español 中文翻譯 한국어 번역 Dịch tiếng Việt አማርኛ Soomaali Led, by the City of Seattle, mayors and county leaders representing nearly two-thirds of all asylum-seeking families on a new, accelerated court docket sent a letter to the Biden administration opposing this new policy and asking the administration… [ Keep reading ]
Versión en Español 中文翻譯 한국어 번역 Dịch tiếng Việt Vow to continue supporting local undocumented residents with free legal consultations for DACA-recipients Services Will Receive Priority Distribution Yesterday, the United States Supreme Court announced that the Trump administration is not permitted to immediately proceed with its plan to end the… [ Keep reading ]
