In 2025, immigrant communities and leaders advocated successfully for a vital and timely investment of $4 million for the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA), which was supported by the Seattle City Council, Mayor Bruce Harrell and Mayor Katie Wilson, all in recognition of the mounting challenges facing immigrants and refugees in Seattle. Through stakeholder meetings, Mayor Wilson’s transition… [ Keep reading ]
This RFP application is now closed. In 2026, the Seattle City Council adopted a $4 million ongoing addition to the budget of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) to strengthen critical services for Seattle’s immigrant and refugee communities. This funding comes in recognition of the recent federal funding… [ Keep reading ]
This RFP is now closed. On June 18, 2026, the review panel approved the last available grant. All $280,000 of the Rapid Response Small Community Grants has now been awarded to 28 organizations serving immigrant and refugee communities. We anticipate future grant programs to support groups helping immigrants and refugees,… [ Keep reading ]
The City of Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) is excited to increase our current Legal Defense Network (LDN) program by $1.25 million a year reinforcing the City’s commitment to protecting immigrant and refugee communities. This funding comes in recognition of the increasing number of immigrant residents who… [ Keep reading ]
The Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs announced in February that former Director Cuc Vu will be re-joining the department as OIRA’s new acting director. Vu, a dedicated immigrant advocate, served as OIRA Director from 2014-2022. During this time, Vu built the office into an integral resource for immigrant and… [ Keep reading ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
