The following is an open letter from Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Director Cuc Vu:
“Today, many immigrants and refugees across this city and across this nation woke up to an uncertain reality. You may be feeling shocked, angry, or disappointed. Here at the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, we feel hopeful.
We have hope because many in the Seattle community have contacted us asking how they can help support vulnerable immigrants.
We have hope because we continue to hear from many immigrants and refugees about how valuable and important our work is to their community.
We have hope because Mayor Ed Murray sent us all an email this morning with this quote, “As we go forward, we will continue to be tested by efforts to undermine progress or disenfranchise those who some feel are different or unwelcome. We will never allow this as a city and I instead look forward to our continued work to make our city the equitable, inclusive place we all envision.”
Despite the current state of politics, we will continue working towards our simple, but powerful mission: to improve the lives of Seattle’s immigrant and refugee residents.
If we have learned anything from this election, it’s that voting matters. To shape the future of our country and our communities, becoming a citizen and a voter is absolutely necessary. Join us for our next Citizenship Workshop. We have a huge need for volunteers to help immigrants on the path to citizenship, especially immigration attorneys and paralegals, interpreters, and general workshop support staff.
All volunteers must register first and will be trained before the workshop. Knowledge of naturalization is not necessary. We have a high need for bilingual volunteers.
When: Sunday, December 4, 2016, 10 am-1 pm
Where: North Seattle Colleges: 9600 College Way N, Seattle, WA 98103
Volunteer Start Time: 8:00 am
Register to Volunteer Here: surveymonkey.com/r/VolunteerCitizenship
Please also help us spread the word. If you know of other potential volunteers and/or eligible legal permanent residents (green card holders) who are ready to apply, please tell them about this free workshop. You can download these flyers in multiple languages to share.
For questions, please contact us at [email protected].
The late civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” We pledge to continue work that puts this justice into action. Please join us.”
