Executive Constantine: King County to continue welcoming refugees

December 23, 2019

Summary

Last week King County Executive Dow Constantine reaffirmed to the U.S. State Department that King County will remain a welcoming place for refugees.

Story

In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, King County Executive Dow Constantine formally declared King County open to initial refugee resettlement, continuing the county’s tradition of welcoming immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers. King County is home to the largest immigrant and refugee population in the state.

“It has been proven that when immigrants and refugees are able to access our immigration system and obtain work permits, they stimulate the economy and build businesses without fear,” Executive Constantine wrote. “Welcoming immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers is not only a fundamental value and character of King County, it is essential to our economic and social development.”

The letter is in response to an executive order by President Trump designed to add more barriers to municipalities accepting refugees coming to the United States, at the same time when the United States has admitted the smallest number of refugees since the 1970s.

The state of Washington and City of Seattle have also issued similar letters.

Relevant links

• Letter to U.S. Department of State

Quotes

“It has been proven that when immigrants and refugees are able to access our immigration system and obtain work permits, they stimulate the economy and build businesses without fear. Welcoming immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers is not only a fundamental value and character of King County, it is essential to our economic and social development.” 

For more information, contact:

Chase Gallagher, Executive Office, 206-263-8537

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