As we get closer and closer to the inauguration, it’s important that we all understand who may be impacted by changes to immigration policies. We’re adding to last month’s Immigration Basics article here. Please subscribe to our e-newsletter to stay up to date on how Neighborhood House is responding to Trump’s policies, while helping immigrants, refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers survive and thrive.
Key Definitions
- Migrant: a person who leaves their country of origin to seek permanent or temporary residence in another country.
- Asylum-seeker: a person who has left their country and is seeking protection from persecution, but who has not yet been recognized as a refugee. Asylum-seekers can be eligible for work authorization after their asylum application has been pending for 180 days. However, obtaining asylum is a lengthy, expensive, and complex process, with no guarantee of the result.
The WA Migrant & Asylum-seeker Support (WA-MASS)
This new program is intended to serve newly arrived migrants and asylum-seekers who are ineligible for federal refugee resettlement services. We commend the legislature for appropriating $25 million to be used from November 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, for short term help with basic needs. Asylum seekers can get help by contacting the HUB. And while the help is appreciated, it is not nearly enough.
Anticipating Challenges
Adding to the humanitarian crisis, the Trump Administration has promised to expand deportation on “day one”.
Washington’s Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance, anticipating the Trump Administration’s approach, has created a new website to keep community members informed. People likely to be most impacted by the Trump Administration’s policies include:
- Undocumented immigrants or people without immigration paperwork
- People with temporary statuses, including Temporary Protected Status and parole
- People seeking asylum
- Mixed status families and many others
The City of Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs partnered with the Northwest Immigrant Rights project to create several informational videos in multiple languages for asylum seekers.
How Neighborhood House Responds
Neighborhood House has several bilingual Department of Justice certified resource specialists, that assist clients preparing for and applying for citizenship. We do not collect information about prospective client’s immigration status – all are welcome to participate in our early learning, youth development, resource navigation, support groups, parenting classes, and more.
Just like we did in the last Trump Administration, we are gearing up to provide accurate and timely information and resources to clients most impacted.
As we brace for the unknown, let’s remember that we all benefit from immigration and immigrants regardless of their status. Mass deportations will have wide ranging impacts on our economy, and millions of our families, friends, and neighbors.
Do your part, stay informed, stay engaged, and get involved.