As fear grows in King County’s immigrant and refugee community, King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced a plan to provide rapid response services, including a legal defense fund that will help residents navigate the naturalization process and support for community organizations on the frontlines of immigrant rights and education.

The proposed one-time $750,000 funding would also help ensure that immigrants and refugees know their rights if they are approached by a federal agent or are the victim of a hate crime. King County will also ensure that all of its key facilities are prepared to help those at risk and welcoming to all residents.

“People in our community are afraid – afraid for their human rights, their families, and their safety,” said Executive Constantine in a press release. “Our message to the White House, the country, and the rest of the world is clear: We proudly uphold the fundamental American promise that we are — and will be — a nation of hope, freedom, and opportunity for all.”

Executive Constantine on Thursday will propose an ordinance to the King County Council that would provide $750,000 for rapid response services in three categories:

• Establish a legal defense fund that will both provide pro bono guidance through the naturalization process and fight deportation.
• Develop and distribute Know Your Rights material and trainings throughout the county so that immigrants and refugees know what to do if they are approached by federal agents or are victims of a hate crime.
• Strengthen information and response hubs operated by nonprofit organizations so that everyone in King County – including those who want to support immigrants and refugees – knows where to go for resources, alerts, and opportunities.

The ordinance will not cost taxpayers any additional money. Several departments did not spend all of the funds they received during the 2015-2016 budget cycle.

Through its Catalyzing Community Impact Fund, Seattle Foundation has committed $125,000 to this partnership to help expand the County’s rapid response services, and the Foundation will also enlist support from other philanthropic partners. Seattle Foundation’s Catalyzing Community Impact Fund supports nonprofit partners in addressing the increased demand for services, such as information and outreach, hate crime victims support, legal services, advocacy and organizing activities across vulnerable communities.