There have been several requests for resources regarding immigration. This resources list is one way we are responding to that call. This list does not claim to be comprehensive or all inclusive. Because an organization’s name or website is listed here, that does not mean the Diocese of Olympia officially supports that organization. We are always on the lookout for more good resources. If you have some please pass them on the Rev. Carla Robinson at the Office of Multicultural Ministries
NOTE: There are many resources here. Some may appear to be duplicates from different agencies.
Groups Our Diocese Works Closely With
The Episcopal Church
Church Policy high level.
Immigration Toolkit
This site includes many links addressing: immigration and refugee information, preparedness, advocacy, know your rights, various organization’s contact info, immigration policies and many other topics. GREAT PLACE TO START.
WAISN
The Washington State Immigrant Support Network builds collective power for immigrants and refugees across Washington through peaceful, non-violent, community led action. They believe Washingtonians should have dignity, respect and autonomy, regardless of immigration status. They do advocacy and Deportation Defense.
They offer practical advice and guidance for individuals and groups who want to get involved in issues around immigration justice. I especially encourage you to see their sharable resources page.
Tsuru For Solidarity
Tsuru for Solidarity is a nonviolent, direct action project of Japanese American social justice advocates and allies working to end detention sites and support directly impacted immigrant and refugee communities that are being targeted by racist, inhumane immigration policies. Their recent campaigns include:
- Child and Family Detention
- Reparations
- Police, Prison and Detention
- Healing Justice
Faith Action Network
Faith Action Network is a statewide, multi-faith partnership striving for just, compassionate, and sustainable communities through courageous advocacy and public action.
General Know Your Rights Resources
USAHello: basic rights [Spanish | Arabic | Persian | Swahili]
Red Card
This guide provides basic information about important practices to remember during encounters with law or immigration enforcement. You can print the Red Card which can be handed to an officer to assert your rights.
- Immigration Legal Resource Center: [Spanish | Tagalog | Tongan]
- Immigration Legal Resource Center: Red Cards [Spanish | Arabic | Haitian Creole | Tagalog]
You have certain rights if questioned or pulled over.
ACLU: If law enforcement asks [ Spanish | Urdu | Arabic | Haitian Creole | Simplified Chinese]
If ICE is at the door
- ACLU: If ICE is at your door
- Informed Immigrant: If ICE comes to your door
- Informed Immigrant: If you are at work
- ACLU: https://www.acluutah.org/know-your-rights/what-places-worship-need-know-responding-ice-encounters/
What to do if ICE questions, detains, or arrests you as a U.S. Citizen?
- iAmerica: ICE interactions with U.S. citizens
- US Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General: If you believe that an enforcement action has been taken in violation of any person’s legal rights, you can file a complaint. DHS Office of the Inspector General by phone at (800) 323-8603 or through dhs.gov and DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties by phone at (866) 644-8360 or through dhs.gov/publication/file-civil-rights-complaint
What to do in an immigration raid?
- Informed Immigrant: How to Prepare For Immigration Raids
- Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.: Rapid Response Toolkit to Help Advocates Prepare Their Communities For ICE Raids And Detentions
- NNIRR has gathered a list of national, state and local Immigration Hotlines: Immigration Hotlines
What is a family preparation plan?
A family preparation plan is a comprehensive plan in case of immigration emergencies, regardless of immigration status. Many organizations provide step-by-step instructions.
Immigrant Legal Resources Center: Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan[Spanish]
Information on Various Related Topics
Adjustment of Status and Naturalization
Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc.: Creating a Citizenship Preparation Program Toolkit
Asylum
Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project: Consider Taking These Steps Before January 2025 [Spanish]
Deportation Defense
What is deportation defense? Deportation defense can include community-led campaigns to stop the deportation of community members using legal interventions and community advocacy to highlight community members’ contributions to society.
Make the Road New York: Deportation Defense Manual [en español]
What is DACA?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals DACA has allowed young immigrants who grew up in the U.S. to seek temporary protection from deportation and to have the ability to work. Its fate is currently being litigated in the courts.
National Immigration Law Center: Frequently Asked Questions: Latest on DACA
Deferred Enforced Departure
What is DED? DED allows foreign nationals to be protected from deportation and have the opportunity to work. DED is granted through the President’s foreign relations power.
USAHello: What should people know about the Humanitarian Parole changes? Read more here.
Non-Immigrant Visas
Cornell Law School & President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration: FAQ Regarding Biden’s Nonimmigrant Visa Policy Changes
Higher Ed Immigration Portal: Sponsoring DACA Recipients and other Dreamers for Employment-Based Visas
Sensitive Locations
Global Refuge: Read an FAQ on Sensitive Locations/Protected Areas (Updated Jan. 2025)
Global Refuge: Más información aquí (Actualizado enero 2025)
Temporary Protected Status
What is TPS? TPS may be designated by the Department of Homeland Security in cases of ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions which prevent individuals from safely returning home. Individuals must meet certain presence requirements but may be eligible to remain in the country during the designation period and obtain work authorization.
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services: uscis.gov for more information.
- Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc.: Latest on TPS and DACA
- Alianza America: Re-registration Information for beneficiaries from El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua [en español]
- CLINIC LEGAL: What should people know about 2023 TPS for Venezuela cancellation? Read more here.
Unaccompanied Children & Sponsors
ImportaMi/International Rescue Committee: Know Your Rights Guide for Immigrant Children and Young Adults [en español]
For further reading
Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition: A Toolkit for Organizations Responding to Mass Worksite Immigration Raids