Washington state works to be a welcoming place for refugees and immigrants. The DSHS Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance is looking for possible changes with immigration policies and practices that might affect immigrant and refugee communities across the state. These possible changes can bring fear and uncertainty for our communities. This page shares general information about rights that apply to everyone, no matter their immigration status. It does not provide legal advice of any kind.
What are the possible changes?
Federal immigration policies and procedures might change in different ways. These changes might make it harder to apply for asylum, others might end certain visas or temporary statuses. There might be pauses in refugee resettlement, more enforcement activity and expanded authorities for expedited removals.
Who might be affected by these possible changes?
These changes might affect many people with different types of immigration statuses, including:
Undocumented immigrants or people without immigration paperwork
People with temporary statuses, including Temporary Protected Status and parole
People seeking asylum
Mixed status families
Others in immigrant and refugee communities
Who enforces immigration laws?
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection are both part of the Department of Homeland Security.
ICE enforces immigration and customs laws within the country and at the border. CBP handles border security and prevents people from entering the country illegally or bringing anything illegal into the United States. CBP can conduct their operations up to 100 miles inland from the border. These are the two main units of immigration enforcement.
Washington law does not allow state and local law enforcement officers to take part in civil immigration enforcement. You can ask your local law enforcement agencies about their policies under the Keep Washington Working Act.
Can I receive services from state government agencies?
Yes, you can continue to receive services from state government agencies. Washington law does not allow state or local government to deny services or benefits based on citizenship or immigration status, unless a specific law requires it.
Will state government agencies share my information with immigration enforcement?
Washington does not allow state agencies to share your personal information with the Department of Homeland Security, including ICE or CBP, unless required by federal law or other limited situations. You might ask agencies about their policies under the Keep Washington Working Act to understand how they protect your personal information.
Can I receive public benefits from DSHS?
Yes, you can feel comfortable using cash, food and medical assistance if you qualify to receive it. DSHS will not share your personal information with immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant or a court order.
Current federal rules do not count Medicaid, public housing or food assistance as part of "public charge." Public charge rules do not apply to everyone. They also do not affect lawful permanent residents applying for U.S. citizenship or naturalization.
For updates about public charge, check the DSHS ORIA website.
What can I do if immigration agents approach me at home or in public?
Whether you are at home or in public, you have rights under the constitution, no matter your immigration status. Here’s some things to remember:
Choose not to open the door. If someone comes to your home and says they belong to one of the agencies above, you do not have to let them in. You can speak through a closed door or window. You can ask to see a court-issued warrant signed by a judge. Without a warrant or your permission, no officials may enter your home.
Remain silent and do not sign anything. You have the right to remain silent — just say that you will not answer any questions or sign anything without a lawyer present. This helps protect you from being forced to share information or sign documents that you might not understand.
Record and document everything. You can record everything that happens. You can take photos or videos and write down any details like the officers badge numbers, agency name, date, time and copy of the warrant.
Call a friend. You can call a friend, family member, or anyone you trust. You can also call the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network hotline at 844-724-3737. They offer support and help with rapid response to immigration enforcement activities and other services. Community groups across Washington also offer support. Some of these groups have programs where volunteers and family members can be with you during these times.
For more information about your rights related to immigration enforcement, please refer to these know your rights documents in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Lingala and Somali.
How can I be prepared?
You can make a safety plan, report and document raids or arrests, and look for legal help ahead of time.
Legal Counsel for Youth and Children have examples of safety plans and additional resources.
As part of your safety plan, you should:
Memorize the phone number of a friend, family member or attorney who you can call.
Plan who will care for your family or children if needed.
Keep important documents, like birth certificates and immigration documents, in a safe place where a friend or family member can access them if necessary.
Make sure your loved ones know how to find you if you are detained by ICE. They can use ICE’s online detainee locator (https://locator.ice.gov/odls/) to find an adult who is in immigration custody. Or they can call the local Seattle ICE office at 206-277-2000. Make sure they have your alien registration number written down if you have one.
You can call the Executive Office for Immigration Review hotline at 800-898-7180 to get information on your case’s status.
If it is possible and safe, take photos and videos of the raid or arrest. Also take notes on what happened. You can report the raid to the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network Rapid Response Hotline at 844-724-3737.