We are now eighteen months into the Trump administration’s systematic assault on immigrant communities and their rights in the United States. Just a few weeks ago, the administration terminated a contract with immigration service providers across the country to provide legal representation to unaccompanied children (impacting nearly 100 legal services providers representing over 20,000 youth and children). NWIRP received $3.3 million annually from this contract. Thankfully, because of your support in 2025, we have the funds necessary to continue our work representing unaccompanied children and youth in 2026 while we work towards long term sustainable funding. But for many partner organizations across the country and the clients they serve, the termination of this funding is devastating.
In a couple of weeks, a new public charge rule takes effect on September 18. This new rule changes the decades-long application of the public charge ground of inadmissibility, giving immigration officers broader discretion to deny green card applications for certain community members, primarily impacting applicants seeking a green card through a family-based petition. Last week, with the support of the City of Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, we presented a webinar for communities and service providers on who this new rule impacts and how to support them. This rule change is just another example of how this administration is chipping away at immigration protections for our community.
History will remember this period for the choices our federal government made in turning its back on the rule of law, civil liberties, and equal justice. But we hope it will also remember the choices communities made in response: the countless who are standing up in solidarity and refusing to let others face harm alone. At NWIRP, with your support, we will continue to challenge unlawful policies, support our communities through our legal work, and fight for a future where all people are treated with dignity and respect.
Read Our 2025 Impact Report
For more than four decades, NWIRP has accomplished its mission to defend and advance immigrant rights through a combination of legal expertise and the direct lived experience of our diverse staff, board, and partner communities. In 2025, your generosity helped NWIRP remain strong even after this administration ended significant sources of federal funding. That solidarity has fueled our growth in 2026, allowing us to expand from 184 to 203 staff members. You’ve enabled us to be better prepared for the continuing waves of attacks that have been unleashed over the course of 2026.
Over 100 Community Members Served at Our Free Legal Clinic
On Saturday, NWIRP staff and volunteers hosted a free legal clinic to serve over 100 community members. We were able to help community members get important questions answered thanks to your generous support, as well as the support of the amazing volunteers who showed up to assist with this important work. We are also grateful for the hard work of our Community Outreach Unit for helping to organize this clinic, as well as our partners at Highline College for making their campus available to our community.
Important Information for Travelers Flying Domestically in the United States
Aggressive enforcement of immigration law continues to harm our communities. And the surge in immigration arrests we have seen in our communities is now expanding to airports. The level of coordination and resources available to the government to target our communities is evident by the cross-collaboration present in federal agencies: here, TSA’s domestic travel information is cross-referenced against ICE’s immigration record. It is important that we stay informed. We shared two social media posts, in English and Spanish, to ensure our communities understand the risks of traveling domestically with a work permit.
If you have an immigration case or pending status that could create concerns about traveling, please consider speaking with an immigration attorney before making travel plans.
We have recently seen an increase in immigration enforcement at airports for people with pending applications and/or petitions who are traveling domestically.
- If you do not have any immigration status, avoid airport travel.
- Make sure your immigration and travel documents are up to date (unexpired) and accessible.
- If you have a pending immigration case, temporary visa, a prior deportation order, criminal history, or other immigration concern, consult an immigration attorney before traveling.
- Keep an emergency contact informed about your travel plans.
- Know your constitutional rights and avoid relying on rumors or unverified social-media posts.
- If you are concerned about domestic or international travel, seek legal advice before making your plans.
This is a reminder to stay informed, verify information, and seek qualified legal advice when there may be immigration consequences.
Assisting Community Members Apprehended by Immigration Enforcement
We encourage you and your loved ones to contact NWIRP in the event that someone you know has been taken to the Tacoma immigration detention center by calling us toll-free at (877) 814-6444, or by sending an email to detainedreferrals@nwirp.org.
Wenatchee Solidarity Social, Wednesday, September 16
Our Wenatchee Solidarity Social is just a few weeks away on Wednesday, September 16 at Icicle Ridge Winery in Peshastin. Our critical work of defending and advancing immigrant rights would not be possible without community support, and we invite you to gather with us over delicious food and wine in order to further support our mission.
Save the Date for our Evening of Justice at Wing Luke, Thursday, October 22
I hope you can join us for this special event to honor the invaluable contributions of our legal community, pro-bono attorneys, and dedicated volunteers who support our mission. This event is an opportunity for us to celebrate the impact of your tireless efforts, share inspiring stories, and connect with fellow supporters who are committed to the immigrant rights movement. RSVP information will be available shortly!
Virtual Training for DV/SA Advocates on September 22-23
We are proud to once again host our annual training for DV/SA advocates on Tuesday, September 22 and Wednesday, September 23. At the training, experienced NWIRP legal staff will provide training and updates on the U.S. immigration system, specific forms of relief available to immigrant survivors of violence, safety planning, and a comprehensive overview on writing declarations for VAWA self-petitions, U Visas, T Visas, and advocate letters of support.
Register for the training here
Thank you for your continued support. We are grateful to have you as part of our community.
With gratitude,
Malou Chávez (she/her/ella)
Executive Director
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