Planning for Changes in Federal Immigration Policies and Practices

Washington state strives to be a welcoming place for refugees and immigrants. The DSHS Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance is looking ahead to potential changes with immigration policies and practices that will impact immigrant and refugee communities in Washington. These potential changes create fear and uncertainty for our communities. This page shares information about rights that all people have regardless of immigration status and does not provide legal advice of any kind. 

What are the potential changes?

Many different changes in immigration policies and procedures may impact many different people in Washington’s communities. These changes may include making it more difficult to apply for asylum, eliminating some types of visas and temporary statuses, pausing refugee resettlement, increasing enforcement and expanding authorities for expedited removals. 

Who will they affect?

These changes may impact people with different types of immigration statuses, including the following:

  • Undocumented immigrants or people without immigration paperwork
  • People with temporary statuses, including Temporary Protected Status and parole
  • People seeking asylum
  • Mixed status families and many others

Who conducts immigration enforcement?

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are both components of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is a federal enforcement agency that enforces immigration and customs laws in the country’s interior as well as at the border. CBP prevents people from entering the country illegally or bringing anything harmful or illegal into the United States. CBP can conduct their operations as far as 100 miles inland from both the Mexican and Canadian border.

Can I receive services from state government agencies? Will they share my information with immigration enforcement?

Yes, you can continue to receive services from state government agencies. The Keep Washington Working Act prohibits state agencies from sharing your personal information with ICE or CBP unless required by federal law.

Can I receive public benefits from DSHS?

Yes, individuals and families should feel comfortable accessing and using cash, food, and medical assistance that they are eligible to receive. DSHS will not share clients’ personal information with immigration enforcement officers without a warrant. Current federal rules do not consider the receipt of Medicaid, public housing, or food assistance as part of public charge. Public charge rules do not apply to all immigrants and do not impact lawful permanent residents applying for U.S. citizenship or naturalization. For ongoing updates about public charge, please check the DSHS ORIA website.

What do I do if law enforcement or immigration agents approach me at my home or in public?

Whether you are at home or in public, you have rights protected by the constitution regardless of your immigration status. Here’s what to remember if you or your loved ones find yourselves in a situation dealing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement or law enforcement:

  • Don’t open the door. If someone arrives at your home and says they belong to an agency above, you are not required to let them in. Always communicate through a closed door or window and demand to see a court-issued warrant before taking any other action. Without a warrant signed by a judge 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 out loud that you will not answer any questions or sign anything without an attorney present. This will protect you from being forced to share information or sign documents that you may not understand. 
  • Record and document everything. You have the right to take photos, record video, and write down any details from the encounter. 

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 will want to create a safety plan, report and document raids and arrests, and find legal help. You can find an example of a safety plan here: EMERGENCY PLAN — We Have Rights

As part of your safety plan, you should:

  • Memorize the phone number of a friend, family member, or attorney who you can call.
  • Plan for your children or family to be taken care of if you are detained.
  • Keep important documents, such as 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/homePage.do) 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 for you to do so, 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.