Jayapal Helps Secure $4 Million for Washington State’s Efforts to Support Asylum Seekers

SEATTLE – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, announced $4,039,516 in federal funding for the Washington State Department of Social & Health Services (WA-DSHS). This funding comes from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and will support migrants arriving in King County.

“Washington State has a long history of welcoming immigrants to the United States,” said Jayapal. “I am proud to have worked with the Washington delegation to advocate for and secure this much-needed funding for Washington. This federal investment will continue to support the efforts of the state and local governments, in addition to critical community and non-profit partners, in providing migrants, especially those from the Congo and Venezuela, with essential shelter and services. Seeking asylum is a right and all individuals must be able to do so with dignity.”

This funding will support local communities in Washington State that have provided critical resources such as food, shelter, clothing, acute medical care, and transportation to individuals who have recently arrived in Washington and are awaiting their immigration court proceedings.

Jayapal signed a letter of support for this grant in June. She also joined a letter advocating for increasing the availability of Shelter and Services Program funds (SSP-C) to additional entities in November of 2023. In January, Jayapal toured the Riverton Park United Methodist Church which has played an integral role in providing emergency shelter and services to asylum seekers. She met with community organizations, volunteers, advocates, and migrants to discuss the urgent need for federal investments to support the work of community organizations and local governments. 

Issues: Immigration