Immigrants and Refugees Access

Seattle has become a multi-cultural city. The percentage of foreign-born residents has increased significantly in the last three decades. In 1980, the foreign-born population constituted about 11 percent of Seattle’s population. In 2000, it was almost 17 percent. By 2010, it could be almost 20 percent and total up to 120,000 people.

Our foreign-born population is a very diverse group and, as the face of Seattle changes, City government is also changing to embrace our city’s newest residents. This broad and comprehensive initiative promotes the full and active participation of immigrant and refugee communities in Seattle’s civic, economic and cultural life. We all benefit when we’re all included.

As part of the Race and Social Justice Initiative, the City works to strengthen how government serves immigrant and refugee communities living in Seattle.

For more information, follow the menu links on the left.