immigration

Proposal Seeks To Shrink King County Role In Immigration Enforcement

Liz Jones — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 23:41:06 +0000

King County council members on Thursday introduced a measure that would limit when unauthorized immigrants can be held in jail.

Every year, hundreds of people booked into King County jail automatically get handed over to immigration authorities. That's even if the person has not yet been convicted of a crime and has no criminal record. Council member Larry Gosset introduced legislation that would change that.

Facing Deportation, Wash. Immigrants Face Long Holds

Liz Jones — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 20:07:38 +0000

Forty-eight days: That’s the average time people who are suspected of immigration violations are held in detention in Washington state before they are released or deported. A new report from researchers at Syracuse University also concludes that among states with the largest populations of detainees, Washington ranks among the worst for long detention times: number 20 out of 30.

Poet Colleen McElroy On "Crossing Oceans"

Elizabeth Austen — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:56:16 +0000

One of the most persistent stories about America — that it was made by immigrants fleeing "the old country" — is also one of the most incomplete. And since stories shape our perception of reality, poet Colleen McElroy is intent on telling another aspect of America's story in "Crossing Oceans." The poem appears in her most recent collection "Here I Throw Down My Heart" (University of Pittsburgh Press, 2012).

Farm Worker Harassment Draws Increased Scrutiny

Liz Jones — Sun, 12 May 2013 23:12:35 +0000

In her green minivan, Angelica Villa navigates the farm roads north of Bellingham like a seasoned tour guide. She points out a cannery, a potato plant and miles of berry fields. Villa previously worked at many of these places and she rattles off story after story about harassment on the job.

Finding Peace: From Ethiopian Refugee To United States Citizen

Yafiet Bezabih and RadioActive Youth Media — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:38:12 +0000

Nigisti Hailemariam has been in the United States for over 20 years. She has two kids, a stable job, and a red Honda outside her three-bedroom apartment. But life wasn't always this peaceful for Nigisti. RadioActive youth producer Yafiet Bezabih tells the story of his mother's journey.

What Do You Say When You Mean "Immigrant Living Here Illegally"?

Carolyn Adolph — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:17:14 +0000

The Associated Press Stylebook says "illegal immigrant" shouldn’t be used by news organizations. It says "illegal" is an action, not a person. So, what should we say? KUOW is partnering with other public media, including Fronteras, to examine how the language is evolving. The plan is to map our results.

Closing The Opportunity Gap For Students Of Color

Weekday with Steve Scher — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:00:00 +0000

Trish Millines Dziko co-founded the Technology Access Foundation in 1996 to provide science, math, engineering and technology education for Seattle's students of color. Access to technology has improved since the foundation was created, but many low-income students and students of color still face obstacles to becoming innovators and creators. How can we close the gap so all students have equal opportunities? Can programs like this work in all of our school districts? Trish Dziko joins us.

Feds Agree To Changes for Asylum Seekers

Liz Jones — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:58:55 +0000

Attorneys with the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project in Seattle say they’ve reached agreement with federal officials on a nationwide class action lawsuit. The case was filed on behalf of immigrants requesting asylum in the US who say they face persecution or harm in their home countries. The settlement aims to speed up the process for asylum seekers to get a work permit.

Rallies For Immigration Reform From Seattle To DC

Liz Jones — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:49:23 +0000

Supporters of immigration reform call the outside of the Federal Building in downtown Seattle their patio. That’s because they’ve gathered here so many times in the past decade to push for an overhaul to the country’s immigration system, including a path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million immigrants who are in the US illegally.

Suspected Immigration Violators Face Long Waits in King County Jails

Liz Jones — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 02:12:27 +0000

If you’re booked into a King County jail, you’ll stay an extra month on average if immigration officials want to review your file. That’s even if you haven’t been charged with a crime.