Updated September 13, 2021
Washington Governor’s Briefing on Afghan Refugees
The Governor’s Office and DSHS Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance hosted a briefing on Thursday, September 9th at 3pm for state legislators, state agencies, federal delegation staff, local government, and community partners. This briefing included an overview of the refugee resettlement process, updates on Afghan arrivals, and presentations from resettlement agencies and community partners.
For the full Video/Audio recording of the briefing please visit here
For the Power Point Presentation of Governor's Briefing on Afghan Refugees please visit here
For the PowerPoint Presentation on Afghan Health Updates please visit here
Welcoming Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Holders to Washington
Washington is actively engaged with the federal government to help resettle Afghan individuals and families fleeing the current humanitarian crisis in our local communities.
Between 2010 and 2020, Washington welcomed over 4,000 Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Holders. Just this federal fiscal year, Washington has welcomed 348 people from Afghanistan between Oct. 1, 2020 and July 30, 2021. Through Operation Allies Refuge, from July 29 – Aug. 14, 2021, Washington welcomed 160 Afghans to our local communities. Washington anticipates receiving more individuals and families from Afghanistan through this program.
For more information, please see this program update.
What can people do to help?
Anyone interested in helping can connect directly with local refugee resettlement agencies or directly with the DSHS Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance by sending an email to ORIAinfo@dshs.wa.gov.
Updated August 18, 2021
The Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund
The Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund is a pool of funding created during the coronavirus pandemic to support people ineligible for federal stimulus money or unemployment benefits due to their immigration status. DSHS received an additional $340 million to invest in this program to support Washington’s immigrant community impacted by the pandemic. Currently there is no open application, and DSHS will be releasing more information to announce when community partners will open a new application for people to apply for a one-time cash grant of $1,000 per person.
To be eligible, individuals must show that they:
- Are a Washington state resident.
- Are at least 18 years of age.
- Have been significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
- Are ineligible for the federal stimulus payment or for unemployment insurance benefits due to their immigration status.
For more information, please refer to the following documents:
For questions about public charge, please see our DSHS Public Charge page.
COVID-19 Updates
The Washington Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance recognizes that refugee and immigrant communities are significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. ORIA partners with organizations across the state to continue to offer services that are culturally relative and in the preferred language. Program and service changes and updates related to COVID-19 will be posted here:
New COVID-19 Emergency Support Services for Refugee Fund
The Washington Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance established a fund to provide resources for refugees and other eligible immigrant individuals and families to receive short-term assistance to cover immediate needs, including rent, utilities, internet and other approved costs. Eligible participants can access these resources by applying at one of ORIA’s contracted services providers. Contact information is available on this program announcement.
Extension of Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance Program
Washington extended Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance benefits due to COVID-19. If you are a single or married refugee or humanitarian immigrant without children, and are not currently receiving cash or medical assistance, you may be eligible. Please apply by calling the DSHS Customer Service Contact Center at 877-501-2233, or you can apply online at WashingtonConnection.org For more information, please refer to the program announcement.
COVID-19 Resources
The Washington Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance has created a COVID-19 Translated Resource Directory. This directory shares information in over 100 languages with different formats, including fact sheets flyers, posters, audio recordings, and videos.
COVID-19 Response Services
In response to COVID-19, contracted service providers are offering a menu of different service options to meet the current and changing needs of immigrants and refugees in our communities. These services include:
These services include the following:
- Conduct a Needs Assessment that addresses overall financial stability, housing, employment, social and emotional well-being, child and youth, and elders and health and medical needs;
- Information and referrals on resources for COVID-19, 2020 Census, public benefits and new stimulus programs and updates on available services and resources;
- Providing and/or connecting with new services, including helping people apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits, addressing food insecurity, addressing gaps in child care and employer outreach and engagement;
- Education and Client Engagement offering opportunities to address social isolation through remote options, engaging volunteers to support new community members remotely and providing distance learning options for civics and ESL classes.
