Summary

“In the 1970s, former Washington Governor Dan Evans led an exemplary effort to warmly welcome Southeast Asian refugees, who soon became valuable members of our community,” said Dunn. “We must do the same today by opening our arms to our Afghan allies by providing them with the resources they need to rebuild their lives as our neighbors.”

Story

As Washington state anticipates receiving as many as 6,000 Afghan refugees, King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn today introduced legislation (attached) to help Afghan refugees settle in the Pacific Northwest. 

“In the 1970s, former Washington Governor Dan Evans led an exemplary effort to warmly welcome Southeast Asian refugees, who soon became valuable members of our community,” said Dunn. “We must do the same today by opening our arms to our Afghan allies by providing them with the resources they need to rebuild their lives as our neighbors.” 

The motion would create a planning committee to support the placement of refugees and special visa holders from Afghanistan who have already been vetted by the federal government and who will make their new home in our community. We will enlist the participation of King County agencies including the Housing Authority, the Department of Community and Human Services, and the Immigrant and Refugee Commission; community organizations who will be responsible for resettling Afghan refugees; and the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement. 

In addition to determining and responding to needs of resettlement agencies, the committee would be responsible for performing outreach to ensure Afghan refugees know what resources are available to help them.

Dunn also submitted a letter (attached) last week to the Executive to “begin a conversation of how King County can prepare to welcome these refugees, many who have served as allies alongside American soldiers, with open arms.”

###