Resources

Have you been impacted by COVID-19?

Learn more about new programs and services available to residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic at our COVID-19: Resources for Community page.

Links to other helpful services and programs for immigrants and refugees

These fliers are for immigrants for whom Seattle may be their destination city after applying for asylum at the U.S. southern border.

Feel free to distribute in your community.

(To download any of the above documents, right-click, then select, "Save link as..." and then save to your computer.)

You can print out these helpful fliers to distribute to immigrant residents in your community.

(To download any of the above documents, right-click, then select, "Save link as..." and then save to your computer.)

If you are looking for more information about the Expanded Legal Defense Fund for Immigrants and Refugees, go to this page.

If you or someone you know is an immigrant flying into Seattle from the countries of Eritrea, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Myanmar (known as Burma), Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Venezuela, or Yemen some advocates recommend going to airportlawyer.org and filling in your flight details before departing for Seattle.

Your information will be routed to a volunteer airport coordinator, and an attorney will be on-site or a phone call away, in case you need assistance from a legal expert when you arrive. 

The site airportlawyer.org is NOT a service run by the City of Seattle.

We recommend going to our DACA information page here.

The WA Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) Reporting Hotline is now live. The hotline runs 7-days-a-week, from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM and will allow people to report when loved ones or friends have been detained by immigration agents or other instances of problematic behavior conduct by immigration officials.

TO REPORT IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY ANYWHERE IN WASHINGTON, DIAL: 1-844-RAID-REP (1-844-724-3737).

For assistance applying for U.S. citizenship, go here.

What to do if your citizenship application is delayed:

You can check the status of your application by calling the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) hotline at 1-800-375-5283. If you have your receipt notice, you can check your status online at the USCIS website.

You can also contact your local Senator or Congressional Representative. A Privacy Waiver may be required in order to receive assistance.

Other citizenship resources:

Local refugee resettlement agencies serving Washington State:

Seattle refugee assistance agencies:

Government agencies assisting refugees:

1. Computer & Internet basics
2. Email
3. Facebook
4. Using the library's catalog
5. Downloading e-books and audiobooks
6. Microsoft Office or other software questions

For first-time home buyers:

For renters:

  • City of Seattle Renting in Seattle Portal
    You can find translated information on frequently asked rental topics here. The helpline number is: (206) 684-5700.
  • City of Seattle Affordable Housing Finder
    The Office of Housing has collected resources to assist low-income families to find an apartment that fits their budget and needs.
  • Seattle Housing Authority
    The Seattle Housing Authority provides long-term, low-income rental housing and rental assistance to eligible residents.
  • Solid Ground
    Offers housing counseling services for tenants that can help you maintain permanent and reliable rental housing.
  • Tenants Union of Washington State
    Offers housing counseling services for tenants and also offers education, organizing, and advocacy services.
  • HousingSearchNW
    A FREE independent rental housing search tool for Washington State to find an apartment that fits your needs and budget.

City of Seattle Utility Discount Program
Offers a discount of about 60% on your Seattle City Light bill and a 50% discount on your Seattle Public Utilities bill for eligible customers.

Employment assistance:

  • Ready to Work
    Combines English as a Second Language (ESL) classes with computer literacy instruction and case management to help immigrants gain job readiness skills and take steps toward economic self-sufficiency.
  • Casa Latina
    Utilizes a day worker center model to help Latino immigrants move from economic insecurity to economic prosperity. Also offers ESL classes.
  • UpwardlyGlobal
    Creates employer partnerships, trainings, and other kinds of support to help provide employment to college-educated immigrants.

Labor laws assistance:

  • Seattle Office of Labor Standards
    Charged with implementing the City's labor standards for Minimum Wage, Paid Sick and Safe Time, Wage Theft, Fair Chance Employment (limiting the use of conviction and arrest records in employment decisions), and other work place-related laws that the City may enact in the future.
  • Fair Work Center
    In various languages, offers resources outlining employee rights, conducts Know Your Rights workshops, helps workers navigate city, state, and federal government agencies, and provides free legal clinics for workers to seek advice about potential workplace violations.

Financial assistance:

  • City of Seattle Department of Transportation $20 Car Tab Rebate Program
    Income-qualified vehicle owners with a car registered in Seattle are eligible to receive a $20 rebate in the form of a prepaid bank card.
  • FindARide.org
    This online transportation database search tool offers information on a number of transportation resources in King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties.
  • Hopelink Medicaid Transportation Program
    The nonprofit organization Hopelink provides Medicaid holders with multiple ways of reaching their medical appointments in King and Snohomish County. Clients can receive gas reimbursement, ORCA cards, and door-to-door pickup or drop off services (often, wheelchair-accessible vehicle services). Long-range transportation is also available.
  • King County Metro ORCA LIFT Program
    A low-fare transit card for income-eligible individuals.