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Posts categorized under OIRA Archives - Welcoming Seattle

Farewell Reflections from Director Hamdi Mohamed

Join us in thanking Director Hamdi Mohamed as she transitions from her position as the Director of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, after four years of dedicated service to Seattle’s immigrant and refugee communities! Read Director Mohamed’s final reflections below, on her four proactive years leading the office,… [ Keep reading ]

OIRA announces new Rapid Response funding opportunity for organizations providing legal services for unaccompanied children

As our local communities continue to feel the drastic impact of federal immigration policy changes, the City of Seattle and Mayor Bruce Harrell have made it a priority to stand with immigrant and refugee communities, ensuring that Seattle takes actionable, informed steps to remain a city that welcomes and serves… [ Keep reading ]

OIRA shares new Rapid Response funding opportunity for culturally-responsive community education and know your rights trainings

As our local communities continue to feel the drastic impact of federal immigration policy changes, the City of Seattle and Mayor Bruce Harrell have made it a priority to stand with immigrant and refugee communities, ensuring that Seattle takes actionable, informed steps to remain a city that welcomes and serves every… [ Keep reading ]

Know Your Rights Resource Guide for Immigrants, Refugees, and Advocates

In partnership with the Mayor’s Office, the Seattle Office for Civil Rights plus immigrant community partners, the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs has created a new Know Your Rights Resource Guide to support immigrant and refugee communities in Seattle. This guide offers critical information on legal rights, local… [ Keep reading ]

OIRA launches Rapid Response program at critical juncture in immigrant rights landscape

Seattle is not only a Welcoming City, it’s a city where immigrants and refugees belong and shape its future. And as the federal government is launching attacks on our communities, the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs echoes the Seattle City Council’s recent “Welcoming City” resolution, which makes clear… [ Keep reading ]

OIRA Denounces Cutting of Unaccompanied Children Program Funding, Chilling Effect on Immigrant Children and Service Provider Partners 

Seattle – On Friday, March 21, 2025, the Trump administration issued a near-total termination of work on its Unaccompanied Children Program, slashing funds used for the legal representation of 26,000 minors navigating complex US immigration courts.  OIRA stands in deep solidarity with our community members and our partners at Kids… [ Keep reading ]

OIRA announces Letter of Intent (LOI) for Rapid Response Program funding

The City of Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) is releasing an LOI to help provide limited immigration legal services. Rapid Response ProgramFunding decisions will be announced on or before Wednesday, March 26, 2025Applications due by March 19, 2025, at 5:00 PM (PT) We are pleased to announce that… [ Keep reading ]

OIRA Training for Local Service Providers on Immigration

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 ]

New Informational Videos to Help Asylum Seekers

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 ]

Regional Partnerships for Immigrant Integration and Workforce Development in the City of Seattle and King County

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 ]