Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

On December 12, 2017, the City of Tacoma passed Resolution 39892 to support the creation of the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (CIRA).  The purpose of the Commission is to better engage Tacoma’s immigrant and refugee communities and to work with community partners and staff to identify and advance positive outcomes related to removing barriers for immigrant and refugee communities in the City of Tacoma.

Membership

On October 26, 2021, the City passed  Resolution 40858 increasing CIRA membership to thirteen (13) members (to include one youth or young adult under the age of 25 at the time of appointment) and one alternate. City Council passed Resolution 41632 to set a priority to include one member who is 65 or older, when possible. CIRA members are recommended by Community Vitality and Safety Committee (CVS) and appointed by the City Council to study problems and issues specifically impacting the immigrant and refugee communities in the City of Tacoma and provide written recommendations, context, and input to Tacoma’s policy makers toward the development and implementation of programs, services, and practices specific to the purpose of furthering immigrant and refugee access to and participation in Tacoma’s economic, cultural, and civic life.

Each Commissioner shall serve for a term of three years.  No member shall serve more than three consecutive terms.

Organizational Documents

Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs – Resolution 39892 (Spanish Version)

Welcoming Cities – Resolution 39116 (Spanish Version)

Immigrant and Refugee Task Force –  Resolution 39642 (Spanish Version)

2025 Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Annual Retreat.

Top row from left to right: Maricres Valdez Castro, Emmanuella Shaska, Nixon Tenga, Maurice Lekea, Alicia Sands, Lydia Zepeda

Bottom row from left to right:  Eunice Ngwasi Kalembo, Hugo Nicolas, Iulia Didkivska Natalie Ghayoumi, Linus Nyaga

Community Resources

The Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs provides this list of community resources as a reference to assist individuals in finding support and services. Please note that we do not endorse, recommend, or guarantee the services of any organization listed. We encourage you to contact these organizations directly to learn more about their services and determine if they meet your needs.

The City is committed to providing immigrant and refugee communities with equitable access to city services and relevant information.

Resources on Civil Immigration Enforcement in Washington

Know Your Rights

Many people in our community are concerned about immigration enforcement activity. The City of Tacoma has prepared a list of resources to assist and support people who may be seeking information or assistance. The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project has information about events for South Sound residents to learn more about the Federal policies and what they mean. Below are resources to help all people become familiar with their rights.

Know Your Rights (English)

Conozaca Sus Derechos (Espanol)

Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest

www.aidnw.org

(253) 343-4324

Associated Ministries of Tacoma Pierce County

www.associatedministries.org

(253) 383-3056

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project

www.nwirp.org

(253) 235-9279

Tacoma Community House

www.tacomacommunityhouse.org

(253) 383-3951

Tacoma Pro Bono

https://tacomaprobono.org/

(253) 572-5134