Resources

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.

English - Resource Guide

Español - Guía de recursos

(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.

English - City of Seattle Services

Español - Servicios de la ciudad de Seattle

中文 - 西雅圖市服務

Tiếng Việt - Dịch vụ Thành phố Seattle

한국어 - 시애틀시 서비스

Afka Soomaaliga - Adeegyada Magaalada Seattle

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

If you or someone you know is an immigrant flying into Seattle from the countries of Chad, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen, we 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.

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 also check your status online on 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:

New Citizen Campaign website - newcitizencampaign.org
This webpage is a comprehensive resource for Seattle area residents who are legal permanent residents (aka "green card holders") eligible to become U.S. citizens. While the website does not provide legal advice, it does answer various questions people may have about the naturalization process and provide links to online tools and Seattle area organizations and events to help you become a U.S. citizen.
More information here.

Express Credit Union U.S. Citizenship Loans
If you don't have the money for the citizenship application fee, ECU can provide you with a loan that can be repaid over 9-12 months. You can also apply for a loan  to cover the permanent residency application fee.
More information here.

Seattle Goodwill
Offers ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), Citizenship, and Vocational ESOL Programs to immigrants and refugees.
More information here.

Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union Citizenship Loans
To help people finance their path to U.S. citizenship, SMCU offers citizenship loans to cover the costs associated with this process.
More information here.

The Seattle Public Library
Library branches all over Seattle offer English as a second language and citizenship classes.
Check out their calendar here for more information. Under "Audience", click "ESL".

Washington New Americans
This program is a partnership between the State of Washington and OneAmerica (formerly Hate Free Zone) to promote successful immigrant integration by connecting eligible legal permanent residents to the information and services they need to successfully pursue citizenship and become active members of our community.
Learn more about citizenship assistance events they are organizing across the state.

American Immigration Lawyers Association - Lawyer Search
AILA is the legal association in the U.S. for immigration attorneys. You can find an AILA lawyer using their search page.

Colectiva Legal del Pueblo
CLP is a horizontal organization that advocates on behalf of immigrants, lends legal support at protests and provides law-related workshop.

International Families Justice Coalition (IFJC)
IFJC provides assistance to income-eligible immigrants and foreign nationals involved in contested domestic relations and family law cases.

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
Provides direct legal representation and also works with pro bono attorneys to serve unaccompanied children in removal proceeding.

King County Bar Association
The King County Bar Association Pro Bono Services department works with over 1,400 volunteers to provide free legal assistance for King County residents.

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Provides direct legal representation for individuals in administrative proceedings through four offices in Washington State. NWIRP also has this informative Know Your Rights resource page for immigrants here.

Washington Immigrant Defense Network (WIDEN)
Provides funding and support services for lawyers representing low-income detained immigrants in order to increase the capacity and quality of available legal services. They also work with attorneys who want to volunteer, but do not have experience in the field of immigration law.

Local refugee resettlement agencies serving Washington State:

Catholic Community Services of Western Washington

Episcopal Diocese of Olympia Refugee Resettlement Office

International Rescue Committee

Jewish Family Service Refugee and Immigration Services

Lutheran Community ServicesWorld Relief Seattle

Seattle refugee assistance agencies:

East African Community Services

Horn of Africa Services

Refugee Federation Service Center

Refugee Forum of King County

Refugee Women's Alliance

Somali Community Services Coalition

Somali Community Services of Seattle

Somali Family Safety Task Force

Government agencies assisting refugees:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (federal)

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement (federal)

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (state)

The Seattle Public Library
Library branches all over Seattle offer Tech Help classes and one-on-one sessions on a variety of technology-related topics. Check out their calendar here for more information. Under "Event Type", click "Tech Help".

Library staff members are available to answer your questions about technology and services such as:

  • Computer & Internet basics
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Using the library's catalog
  • Downloading e-books and audiobooks
  • Microsoft Office or other software questions

City of Seattle: Get Online Seattle
Low-income residents may qualify for $10/month high-speed Internet and affordable computers and smart phones.

InterConnection Computer Outlet Store
Offers affordable computers and Internet access to residents with low incomes.

For first-time home buyers:

City of Seattle Office of Housing Down payment Assistance

HomeSightWashington State Housing Finance Commission

For renters:

City of Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections Code Violations Complaints
The City of Seattle investigates complaints on whether a property owner is violating housing and land use rules.

City of Seattle Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance
Random inspections to ensure that all rental properties in Seattle meet important housing safety and maintenance requirements.

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 Office of Housing offers several programs for households with low incomes:

Home Repair Loan Program
Eligible homeowners can receive 0% or 3% interest loans for critical home repairs.

HomeWise Weatherization Program
Low-income homeowners receive FREE energy efficiency improvements to their house, including insulation, air sealing, upgraded heating systems, and more.

Foreclosure Prevention Program
Eligible homeowners can receive assistance in avoiding default and working out repayment plans in order to stay in their homes.

Rebuilding Together Seattle
Nonprofit volunteer program providing free comprehensive repair services to homeowners with low incomes.

Senior Services Minor Repair Program
Has repair technicians on staff to make minor plumbing, carpentry, and electrical repairs, as well as help install wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and handrails.

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:

Financial Empowerment Network | Seattle-King County
Provide free, professional, one-on-one financial education, counseling, and coaching to help people to become financially stable.

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.

King County Metro ORCA LIFT Program
A low-fare transit card for income-eligible individuals.