HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2025-4642
HR 4642
By Representatives Thai, Parshley, Leavitt, Callan, Pollet, Santos, Nance, Cortes, Ryu, Bergquist, Zahn, Donaghy, Stonier, Walen, Kloba, Salahuddin, Gregerson, Paul, Reed, and Thomas
WHEREAS, Washington has a storied history of supporting refugees seeking a safe place to land, acting as a sanctuary for many fleeing their homes due to war, violence, oppression, and discrimination; and
WHEREAS, Leading with compassion and empathy has made Washington state a welcoming place for thousands of refugees to land and establish residence, adding to the rich diversity of Washington and fostering a community that celebrates inclusion; and
WHEREAS, Following the conclusion of the Vietnam War, thousands of Vietnamese immigrants were welcomed to and settled in Washington, setting the precedent for thousands of other refugee groups to seek refuge in Washington state; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 16,000 Ukrainians continue to seek refuge in Washington from the ongoing violence since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022; and
WHEREAS, Washington's refugee communities add to the rich tapestry of voices and identities that enrich our communities and make Washington a culturally vibrant and diverse state; and
WHEREAS, Everett, Washington is home to the only refugee welcoming center in the state, with many refugees arriving with little more than the clothes on their backs;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the important role Washington's refugee communities play in the state's history and the civic, cultural, and economic life of our state.
I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of
Resolution 4642 adopted by the House of Representatives