Rep. Jayapal Obtains $4 Million to Boost Washington State's Assistance for Asylum Seekers

August 30 :
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (WA-DSHS) has received more than $4 million in federal assistance, according to U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, who is also the Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee.

To aid migrants arriving in King County, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has allocated $4,039,516 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Greeting newcomers to the United States is something that Washington State has been doing for quite some time, according to Jayapal's statement. It gives me great pleasure to have been a part of the Washington delegation's efforts to win this critically needed assistance. State and local governments, together with important nonprofit and community partners, will be able to continue receiving funding from the federal government to help house and assist migrants, including those fleeing the Congo and Venezuela. It is essential that everyone has the decency to seek asylum, as it is a fundamental human right.

Local communities in Washington State will be better able to help migrants who have just arrived and are awaiting their immigration court processes with the newly acquired funding. These resources include food, housing, clothing, acute medical care, and transportation. The process of obtaining this funding has been heavily influenced by Jayapal. She first signed on to a letter endorsing the award in June, and then in November 2023 she joined another letter calling for more organizations to have access to Shelter and Services Program monies (SSP-C).

She paid a visit to the Riverton Park United Methodist Church in January of this year. When it comes to providing asylum seekers with emergency shelter and assistance, they are indispensable. During her visit, Jayapal met with local groups, advocates, volunteers, and migrants to address the critical issue of federal funding for grassroots initiatives.