Item No. 10b_supp
Meeting Date: September 9, 2025

Resolution 3838:
2025 Welcoming Port Policy Directive

Eric Schinfeld, Senior Manager,
Federal & International Government Relations

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
2

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

3

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.

4

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
5

QUESTIONS?

6