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 ]
The City of Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) is partnering with 11 community-based organizations throughout King County to host citizenship clinics where volunteer attorneys, interpreters, and others assist eligible community members to become U.S. citizens. The next clinic will be held on Saturday, September 28th at the… [ 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 ]
This one-time fund was established in response to the increase in hate crimes and targeted violence in immigrant communities, including those directly impacting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities; incidents such as physical assault, home-invasions, robberies, and muggings. During listening sessions in 2023 with AAPI-serving community organizations, participants amplified… [ Keep reading ]
In response to the rise in violent crime and sudden death in the region, Mayor Bruce Harrell signed an executive order in February 2023 to enhance access to information and reduce barriers to supportive services for immigrant and refugee communities in the City of Seattle. As part of this effort,… [ 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 ]
The City of Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) is releasing 2 RFPs to help address incidents of violence in our communities. Victim Compensation Fund Funding decisions will be announced on or before Thursday, May 16th Applications due by May 6, 2024, at 5:00 PM (PT) The… [ Keep reading ]
Funding decisions will be announced on or before Thursday, May 16th Applications due by May 6, 2024, at 5:00 PM (PT) The City of Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) seeks applications from nonprofit organizations to provide direct financial assistance to immigrants and refugees who live, work or… [ Keep reading ]
