Resisting harmful actions from Washington, D.C.

Our state faces enormous challenges right now, and I have been hard at work to address them in the state legislature. We also face new and uncertain challenges from the federal government that effect our state.

Washington has a strong history of welcoming refugees, including over 130,000 since 1975. Of those, over 12,000 have come here since 2012—we should be proud of that history. Last week Donald Trump issued harmful executive orders, including one that restricts refugees and immigrants from certain Muslim-majority countries. Almost immediately, there were massive protests by the public. Personally, I was humbled to stand shoulder to shoulder with thousands of people in our community during protests at SeaTac Airport and Westlake Park.

I’m proud that Washington was the first state to file suit against these executive orders, and I commend Attorney General Ferguson for his swift action. I am grateful to U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle for his ruling yesterday to impose a temporary nationwide restraining order halting key provisions of the travel ban.

In Washington state, we enjoy world-renowned businesses and institutions that employ a workforce that includes immigrants from more than 70 nations from around the world. They contribute to our state’s economy and our technology, agricultural, educational, and medical sectors, and they enrich our arts and culture. While we all share in the desire to protect the country, well-vetted immigrants and refugees fleeing war-torn and dangerous parts of the world aren’t a threat.

Amazon and Expedia should also be applauded for filing their own declarations of support. I’ve signed a letter from the House Democratic Caucus that asks President Trump to comply with federal court orders addressing this issue. You can read our letter here, and I also encourage you to check out these materials from the state Attorney General’s office. The 43rd Legislative District is home to many institutions of higher education, and UW President Ana Mari Cauce shared her thoughts here on the impacts to scholars and students.

In the upcoming days and weeks, I will be working with my colleagues to find additional ways that the state legislature and our state government can address this issue and make sure we are standing up for our core American values. Please reach out to me to share your thoughts.

Thank you, and take care,