By 2010, nearly 20% of the City of Seattle’s population will be made up of immigrants and refugees. Immigrants come to America to pursue the freedom to live, work and raise their families. As Mayor of Seattle, I will ensure that these new Americans are welcomed into our City and our neighborhoods with open arms.

I recognize the struggles that so many immigrants and refugees face upon arrival in the United States. My father’s parents were immigrants, and my father was given a helping hand when he needed it. It is our job to lend a hand to those neighbors who face such struggles, which is why I plan to continue and expand immigrant and refugee services such as child care, citizenship assistance, senior centers, senior
meal sites, food banks, community health centers, school programs, and domestic and sexual violence prevention services.

1. Support Mutual Assistance Associations (MAA)
Most funding for immigrant services is currently routed through Mutual Assistance Associations. But since not all immigrant groups are represented by existing associations, I will provide assistance to newly forming MAAs so that they can sponsor or host programs that most directly meet the needs of their communities. The goal is to empower and assist organizations to effectively serve emerging groups through culturally competent and language-appropriate services.

2. Provide technical Assistance for immigrant-owned businesses
Currently the City of Seattle provides some technical assistance for immigrant-owned businesses but language-appropriate services, which are crucial to the effective provision of that assistance, are very limited. The City will partner with non-profits, local colleges and SBA to provide businesses with technical assistance in a language-appropriate manner. Increase Access to City Grants Immigrant and refugee communities have been underserved in the distribution of City grants. In order to make sure that city resources are available to all citizens, I will provide language-appropriate workshops on the grant application process as well as interpreters and other necessary services.

3. Host regular meetings with immigrant and refugee groups.
As a mayor and a neighbor, I will take an active role in our city’s immigrant and refugee communities by organizing regular meetings and tours of immigrant communities to learn firsthand the issues that are important in those neighborhoods.

4. More interpretation services
I will evaluate opportunities to provide language interpretation so that all citizens have equal access to city services, particularly in emergencies.

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