Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Day to be celebrated by Olympia on February 16

The Olympia City Council signed a proclamation designating February 16, 2023 Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Day.

Signing the proclamation on Monday, February 13, the city council urged the residents to join immigrant advocates to petition to enact legislation that will provide state and local government protections to all immigrants and their families in Washington.

Olympia, a declared 'Sanctuary City,' joined advocates for pro-immigrant measures, saying [enacting laws] are "desperately needed to compensate for the weakening and removal of protections at the federal level."

Olympia recognized that the city "has prospered throughout its history from the extensive socioeconomic, political, and cultural contributions made by immigrants from every part of the globe."

"The City of Olympia welcomes all who enter this country to escape social, religious, political or economic oppression or those in pursuit of its founding promise of a brighter future," stated the proclamation. "The city has committed to securing the freedom, rights, and dignity of all people who reside here."

Bob Ziegler of Strengthening Sanctuary Alliance thanked the city council for welcoming immigrants and refugees to the city. "In doing this, you continue the city values of equity, compassion, and sanctuary."

Mayor Pro Tem Clark Gilman said advocating for immigrants and refugees is a reasonable thing to do.

"If a person and a family are living here and working here, it makes sense that they are extended the same civil rights and social safety net protections as any other person living here," Gilman said.