Resolution 3838:

2025 Welcoming Port Policy Directive

Eric Schinfeld, Senior Manager,

Federal & International Government Relations

Item No. 10b_supp

Meeting Date: September 9, 2025

Action Requested

• “First Reading” of a 2025 Welcoming Port Policy Directive

• Updates 2018 Welcoming Port Policy Directive

• Reaffirms and enhances the Port’s commitment to immigrants,

refugees and international visitors

• Institutionalizes existing, ongoing efforts at the Port

Background

• In 2018, Port Commission passed the first Welcoming Port

Policy in response to federal policies and programs at the

time – particularly the “Travel Ban” Executive Order

• Since that time, the Port has fully implemented this policy,

and incorporated WA’s “Keep Washington Working” law

• The significant increase/changes in federal policies, programs

and activities related to immigration and international travel

make it appropriate to update/enhance/reaffirm this policy

Key Provisions

• Make all visitors to its facilities feel welcome, safe, and comfortable.

• Not deny anyone services based on immigration status.

• Create and enhance partnerships with local immigrant and refugee

stakeholders

• Prohibit Port employees from asking about or collecting immigration

status, except when required by a criminal investigation.

• Not use resources to facilitate the enforcement of civil immigration

law.

Implementation

Specific Port Policies:

• Limits on Port Data Collection

• Interpretation and Translation

• Compliance with Keep Washington Working

• Prohibiting the Use of Port Resources for Immigration Enforcement

• Deferral of immigration detainer requests

• Appropriate treatment of detainees by federal law enforcement

• Partnerships

• Safe and Welcoming Workplace

• Employee Responses to Federal Immigration Policy and Enforcement

Administration:

• Training

• Budget

• Establishment of an Immigration Working Group

• Creation of Tracking Systems

• Reporting

QUESTIONS?