Janice Deguchi, Executive Director
In Springfield, OH, many Haitians are afraid to send their children to school or even go to church in the wake of a false anti-Haitian story. Here in Seattle, a new study by the Asian American Foundation found that nearly 2 in 5 AANHPI Seattle residents have been the victim of an anti-Asian incident in the past 12 months – nearly 3 in 5 report feeling unsafe in public settings.
In today’s charged political climate, where immigration is at the center of many political debates, it’s crucial to remember that we are a nation of immigrants. With the exception of the Indigenous people of North America, Hawaii, and Alaska, we all have an immigration story, rooted in a connection to another part of the world. Some of us came willingly, in search of economic opportunity, others by force as part of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, while many left their homelands in search of safety from war and persecution. In King County, 1 in 4 residents were born outside the United States. Immigration and immigrants bring diversity, innovation, and growth. For example:
- Immigrants subsidize Social Security and Medicare benefits for all older adults.
- Immigrants create jobs and businesses that help our economy grow.
- Immigrants contribute to a vibrant community bringing diverse language, culture, and food.
In 1906, the National Council of Jewish Women began assisting with safe passage of Jewish teenage girls, immigrating unaccompanied to the area. Over time, the organization expanded to help settle newly arrived Jewish families with classes, medical, and social services – and evolved again to become Neighborhood House – assisting other newly arrived people and anyone in need. Just like in 1906, Neighborhood House continues opening doors to people experiencing language, cultural, and systemic barriers to housing, health, education, and economic opportunity.
To read more about how immigrants and immigration benefit us all, check out the 2021 article I wrote in honor of Immigrant Heritage Month and World Refugee Day. You can also learn about one family’s story by reading about our Policy Council President Muhammad Abdelmodal’s journey from Sudan to Seattle.
If you have been a victim of a hate crime or a bias incident because of your identity, report to our trusted partner CISC and the police if appropriate. King County also has resources for hate crime and bias-motivated incidents. To learn more, click here.
