Resources for Immigrants and Refugees
Below is a list of links to resources that may be helpful to immigrants and refugees living in Seattle/King County. While the listing may not be comprehensive, we do update it regularly.
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.
Click one of the links below to jump to that section of the resource list.
DACA Information
Reporting Federal Immigration Enforcement
Citizenship Clinics*
Naturalization/Citizenship Resources
Legal Representation for Immigration Proceedings/Know Your Immigration Rights
Refugee Assistance
Computer and Internet Resources
Housing Finance Assistance
Housing Repair Assistance
Utility Bill Financial Assistance
Employment/Labor Laws/Financial Assistance
Education Assistance/Scholarships
Transportation Financial Assistance
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans Resources
Legislative Advocacy Resources
*Similar to the larger-scale Citizenship Workshops, Citizenship Clinics are smaller in scale, with attendee goals of 30-50 people legal permanent residents.
DACA Information
We recommend going to our DACA information page here.
Reporting Federal Immigration Enforcement
The WA Immigrant Solidarity Network 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).
Citizenship Clinics and Web Portal
A team of volunteer attorneys, paralegals, and interpreters will help you with your N-400 citizenship application. It's FREE for all eligible legal permanent residents (green card holders). More information here or call our hotline at (206) 386-9090.
This comprehensive website newcitizencampaign.org can answer all your questions regarding the naturalization process. It features information on the topics below, as well as listings of free/low-cost classes and citizenship events in the Seattle area that you can attend to help get you on the path to becoming a U.S. citizen.
Naturalization/Citizenship Resources
Not yet ready for a Citizenship Cilinic or Workshop? The New Citizen Program is a consortium of 12 nonprofit organizations across Seattle/King County that can help you become a naturalized U.S. citizen. Click below to find out more information about English as a second language and citizenship classes near you.
Asian Counseling and Referral Service
Catholic Community Services of Western Washington
Chinese Information and Service Center
Multicultural Self-Sufficiency Movement
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Sea Mar Community Health Centers
St. James Immigrant Assistance
Ukrainian Community Center of Washington
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.
- Office of Maria Cantwell, Senator of Washington (Web-form required before assistance.)
- Office of Patty Murray, Senator of Washington (Immigration FAQ)
- Office of Adam Smith, Congressional Representative of Washington State, 9th District (Web-form required before assistance.)
- Office of Pramila Jayapal, Congressional Representative of Washington State, 7th District
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.
Legal Representation for Immigration Proceedings/Know Your Immigration Rights
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.
Refugee Assistance
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
Seattle refugee assistance agencies:
East African Community Services
Refugee Federation Service Center
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)
Computer and Internet Resources
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
- 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.
Housing and Other Finance Assistance
For first-time home buyers:
City of Seattle Office of Housing Down payment Assistance
Washington 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.
Housing Repair Assistance
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.
Utility Bill Financial Assistance
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/Labor Laws/Financial Assistance
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.
Education Assistance/Scholarships
Latino/a Educational Achievement Project
Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)
Transportation 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.
King County Metro ORCA LIFT Program
A low-fare transit card for income-eligible individuals.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans Resources
Gay City LGBT Resources and Referrals
Lambda Legal Immigration Fact Sheet
Noor: LGBTQ Muslims of Seattle
Seattle Counseling Service LGBTQ Immigrant Refugee Undocumented Outreach Project
Legislative Advocacy Resources
Coalition of Immigrants, Refugees, and Communities of Color
Washington Community Action Network
Are We Missing Anything?
As per City of Seattle policy, this page does not link to for-profit organizations and businesses.
To add a link or to let us know about a service/program change, please contact Joaquin Uy at (206) 684-0155 or joaquin.uy@seattle.gov.
Banner photo credit: Alabastro Photography.