From the Governor's Medium page
Born in the thick of the Russian invasion of Afghanistan, 38-year-old Hamed only ever knew war before immigrating to the United States in 2014. He survived Russian bombardments of his village outside Kabul; went to elementary school during the civil war of the 1990s; persisted under the Taliban’s fundamentalist code by rarely leaving the family’s apartment; and joined the humanitarian effort to rebuild the country after U.S. forces invaded post-9/11.
“My generation has seen so much deprivation. Deprivation of rights, of education, of careers,” said Hamed, who only goes by his first name in print because family back home remain potential targets for the Taliban. “People are still suffering. It will take generations to heal.”
Hamed worked at the U.S. embassy in Kabul for five years after college, mostly for the United States Agency for International Development, an independent federal agency responsible for administering civilian aid and assistance. But growing threats on his life and the lives of other employees forced a choice on them few will ever have to consider: Leave your home or potentially lose your life.
Hamed and his wife arrived in Washington state in 2014. Resettled through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, Hamed and his wife received supports and services that made their transition possible, including rental assistance, cash and food assistance, and other resettlement services.
He now works in the state’s Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance, doing for others arriving in Washington what Washington state did for him.
“I see no difference between war refugees — wherever they come from,” Hamed said. “By and large they are happy people who adore their countries, but the deprivations of war and dictatorship left them no options.”
Washington has a bipartisan history of supporting refugees
Washington state has a long, bipartisan history of welcoming refugees fleeing war and persecution, even when other states tried to turn them away. In the late 1970s, Governor Dan Evans was one of the first governors in the nation to accept refugees from Vietnam. In 2015, Gov. Jay Inslee harkened to Evans’ principled stand when he took a vocal stance in support of Syrian refugees as a wave of governors made statements proclaiming their states as “off limits.”
In the past five decades, more than 140,000 people have resettled in Washington. This includes more than 30,000 refugees from over 70 countries who have resettled in Washington state through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program over the last decade.
With the withdrawal of United States troops from Afghanistan in August 2021, the United States evacuated more than 70,000 people. The Biden administration established Operation Allies Welcome to help resettle Afghan evacuees into local communities across the country, including in Washington. This draws parallels to the drawing parallels to the fall of Vietnam and the evacuation of refugees in the late 1970s with Operation New Arrivals.
The Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance — known as ORIA — led Washington’s support for Operation Allies Welcome by partnering with the local Afghan and Muslim American community to offer supports and assistance to local refugee resettlement agencies.
ORIA is the state office designated to coordinate Washington’s refugee resettlement services in partnership with the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement. ORIA, which is housed within the state’s Department of Social and Health Services, invests federal and state funding into local community-based organizations to provide services that help refugees and immigrants to achieve economic stability and thrive in Washington’s local communities.
These services and programs include:
refugee health and wellness;
employment and training;
immigration-related legal services and naturalization assistance; and
family supports, such as the Refugee School Impact Program and services for older refugees.
Gov. Jay Inslee personally met with some of the arrivals in October 2021 to emphasize the state’s support for people forced out of their homes by conflict.
In the first six months of this federal fiscal year, Washington has welcomed more than 3,000 Afghans to local communities, nearly three times the total number of arrivals in the past year.
“Helping people to rebuild their lives after they have been forced to leave everything they have ever known is one of the hardest jobs I have ever done,” said Sarah Peterson, the Washington State Refugee coordinator. “It is also one of the most rewarding. Refugee resettlement requires an entire community of support dedicated to helping people recover from trauma and have access to the tools that they need to learn a new language, to find new opportunities to use their skills, and to build ways to contribute to our communities.”
State agencies prepare for newest wave of refugee arrivals
Peterson said Hamed is an excellent teammate going the extra mile to support Washington’s effort in Operation Allies Welcome. When Washington participated in the State Afghan Placement and Assistance program, a unique effort that resettled Afghan guests directly, Hamed helped to coordinate the welcoming team, greeting over 200 people at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Aside from his family still in Afghanistan, Hamed has sisters who resettled in Europe. He knows other Afghan families have been similarly split up across continents and hemispheres because of war.
“A million Afghan families are split across this diaspora. Maintaining those connections and learning to live in a place that’s strange to you, it’s not easy,” he said.
After years of low arrivals due to previous federal administration policies and the pandemic, Washington’s refugee resettlement infrastructure is strained. With additional resources provided by the Washington State Legislature, ORIA is working to stabilize, strengthen, and support the organizations that serve as the welcoming committee for Washington’s newest neighbors.
Building off the work done since then, ORIA will continue to work with communities and organizations to support those seeking refuge in Washington state, from Ukraine and across the world.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has already displaced more than 11 million people, says the United Nations’ Commission for Refugees, creating a growing humanitarian crisis in the region. About 2.5 million are children who have lost their homes and are still living in the war-torn country. As families and other victims flee repeated attacks on civilian targets, the deprivations of war only become more acute.
Hamed said he sees parallels between his own experiences and those displaced by Russia’s war on Ukraine.
“There are still people who never recovered from what that occupation did to them. It imported a lot of problems that are still part of our internal conflicts,” he said.
The Office of Gov. Jay Inslee and state agencies remain committed to finding ways to meaningfully support Ukrainians during this unprovoked war. This includes ongoing efforts for additional humanitarian aid flights and preparations for the Ukrainians who will eventually arrive seeking refuge.
On April 21, 2022, the federal government announced United for Ukraine, a new federal program that will allow people in the United States to sponsor and support Ukrainians seeking refuge through humanitarian parole.
While this new program gets started, ORIA will work with refugee resettlement agencies and local communities to prepare for an increase in arrivals.
It is too early to estimate the number of people who will arrive across Washington. When they do arrive, some will likely be connected to DSHS to help with their resettlement.
“Resettlement is still hard on people if they can’t be connected to what they need,” said Hamed. “If no one had helped me I’m not sure I would be alive today.”
Want to help support refugees?
Donate to Washington’s local refugee resettlement agencies.
Donate to local Ukrainian organizations, including Ukrainian Community Center of Western Washington and others.
Volunteer to be a host home through the Airbnb Open Homes initiative. Open Homes hosts go through the Airbnb platform to provide free, temporary housing to folks in need as they resettle. Hosts have full control over when and who they can accept and would work with a local refugee resettlement agency staff member around specific housing requests before making the decision. People can sign up to host at home through Airbnb.org — Host people fleeing Ukraine.
In other state news headlines:
Op-ed: Inslee and Ferguson: SAFE Banking Act is a matter of life and death for WA pot businesses.
The News Tribune, April 21, 2022
SAFE Banking Act is a matter of life and death for WA pot businesses
It’s an almost-nightly news story: another ‘pot shop robbery.’ More than 50 cannabis stores throughout Washington state have been victimized by robberies so far in 2022. That’s more than 50 robberies in less than three months — many of them by perpetrators with firearms and two of which resulted in people being killed.
AG Ferguson files lawsuit against Postmaster DeJoy for violating bedrock environmental law when replacing mail truck fleet.
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today a lawsuit against Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) asserting that they violated federal environmental law when deciding in February to replace up to 165,000 vehicles with primarily gas-powered models rather than making a larger switch to electric vehicles.
Turning creative pursuits into livelihoods: Washington Department of Commerce launches new Creatives Academy.
Free, self-directed learning series tailored for creative occupations teaches essential skills to build a successful small business
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington Department of Commerce has launched its new Creatives Academy, the third in a series of self-directed educational academies for small business owners. Designed to teach the essential skills needed to turn a creative pursuit into a successful small business, the academy contains 11 tracks. Lessons range from developing a business mindset and accessing capital to finding customers, creating winning pitches and negotiating terms.
Commerce awards $17.5 million in infrastructure funding to boost affordable housing development in 11 counties.
Grants fund utility connection fees and improvements needed to connect affordable housing to municipal water and sewer.
Red dye diesel spills to south fork of Palouse River.
Above ground storage tank fails at farm supply facility.
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Who-we-are/News/2022/Diesel-spill-to-south-fork-Palouse-River
Elwha River fishing closure extended to support fish restoration.
PORT ANGELES –The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Olympic National Park and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced an extension to the recreational and commercial fishing closure for the Elwha River and its tributaries through June 30, 2023.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/elwha-river-fishing-closure-extended-support-fish-restoration
Tuberculosis cases on the rise globally and in Washington state.
OLYMPIA –Washington’s tuberculosis (TB) cases are on the rise, putting state and local public health officials on heightened alert. Widespread disruptions in public health and healthcare services and missed TB diagnoses due to similarities in symptoms between COVID-19 and TB are thought to have contributed to TB cases rising both locally and globally.
https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/tuberculosis-cases-rise-globally-and-washington-state
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, DNR Team Up on Good Neighbor Authority’s Bandera Restoration Project.
Restoration project partnership between DNR and USFS will bolster forest health, improve aquatic habitats, and bolster trail access in forest east of Seattle.
FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGETION TO DC
Admiral Linda Fagan, First Woman Nominee to Lead U.S. Coast Guard, Appears Before Commerce Committee
Cantwell: “This is a historic moment for our country and for women in the Armed Services. It will be the first time that a woman will lead one of the six branches of the Armed Services.”
Washington State Labor Leader Max Vekich Sworn-In as a Federal Maritime Commissioner
ICYMI: Cantwell helped secure Vekich’s confirmation in floor speech before the final vote.
At Hearing, Senator Murray Urges DOT Secretary Buttigieg to Prioritize Salmon Recovery.
Senator Murray Joins Colleagues in Push to Expand Federal Purchasing of West Coast and Pacific Northwest Seafood.
WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:
from the UN News Center & USUN
Experts Discuss World Demographic Trends, as Commission on Population and Development Continues Fifty-fifth Session
The Commission on Population and Development zeroed in today on the crucial work that the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs delivers to countries around the world as they cope with a range of demographic challenges that could impact realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2022/pop1103.doc.htm
Indigenous Peoples Representatives Must Be Included in Work of United Nations Bodies, Policy-Making Initiatives, Speakers Tell Permanent Forum
Speakers in the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues today pressed United Nations bodies across the system to expand resources and opportunities for indigenous representatives so that they may participate in the Organization’s work, with many calling out practices that prevent their voices from being heard and advocating for a greater focus by the Forum on breaking down barriers.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2022/hr5470.doc.htm
Security Council Press Statement on Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of Chemical Weapons Convention
The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom)
https://www.un.org/press/en/2022/sc14876.doc.htm
Deaths at sea on migrant routes to Europe almost double, year on year.
More than 3,000 people died or went missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean and the Atlantic last year, hoping to reach Europe, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Friday, appealing for $163.5 million to assist and protect thousands of refugees and asylum seekers.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/04/1117292
Extreme heat impacting millions across India and Pakistan.
With extreme heat gripping large parts of India and Pakistan, the two countries are working to roll out life-saving health action plans to combat the heatwave, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Friday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/04/1117272
WHO calls for end to ‘insidious’ online marketing of baby formula.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/04/1117252
The $55 billion baby formula industry must end exploitative online marketing targeting parents, particularly mothers, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a new report published on Friday.
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Chemical Weapons in Syria--USUN
https://usun.usmission.gov/remarks-at-a-un-security-council-briefing-on-chemical-weapons-in-syria-8/
Remarks at a UN General Assembly Commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Opening for Signature of the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention.
NATIONAL & BUSINESS HEADLINES:
Joint Statement between the United States and the European Commission on European Energy Security.
Opening Remarks by Secretary Antony J. Blinken Before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.--US STATE DEPT.
Canada, U.S. in Lockstep for Support to Ukraine, NATO.
Canada and the United States are in lockstep in their support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia, defense leaders said following Pentagon meetings Thursday.
Justice Department Releases Reentry Coordination Council Report Recommending Evidence-Based Approaches to Reduce Barriers to Successful Reentry.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the release of a report by the Reentry Coordination Council entitled Coordination to Reduce Barriers to Reentry: Lessons Learned from COVID-19 and Beyond. The report summarizes the Council’s interagency collaboration and offers recommendations to Congress to further reduce barriers to successful reentry for those returning from incarceration.--DOJ
U.S. Case of Human Avian Influenza A(H5) Virus Reported
Person Had Contact with Infected Poultry; Public Health Risk Assessment Remains Low.
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0428-avian-flu.html
CDC’s Annual Gathering of Disease Detectives Showcases Findings from the Front Lines of Public Health.
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/p0428-disease-detectives.html
FDA Proposes Rules Prohibiting Menthol Cigarettes and Flavored Cigars to Prevent Youth Initiation, Significantly Reduce Tobacco-Related Disease and Death.
BUSINESS:
Major Seafood Dealer and Eight Individuals Indicted for International Wildlife Trafficking
New York, New Jersey and China-Based Defendants Charged with Smuggling Imperiled Eels Worth Millions of Dollars.---DOJ
Alaska Dentist and Wife Indicted for Tax Evasion, Bankruptcy Fraud, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering--DOJ
Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen Convenes Finance and Development Ministers and Multilateral Development Bank Leaders to Discuss Scaling Up High-Quality Infrastructure Investment.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0752
Biden Administration Announces Hundreds of Millions of Dollars in Global Food Aid to Respond to Putin’s Unprovoked Invasion of Ukraine.
IRS selects new leadership for Small Business and Self-Employed Division.
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that experienced agency executive Lia Colbert has been named the new commissioner of the Small Business Self-Employed Division (SB/SE), which oversees the agency's collection activities and the examinations of most businesses in the United States.
IRS accepting applications for VITA and TCE Grants in May.
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is accepting applications for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) grant programs, which will allow some organizations to apply for annual funding for up to three years.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-accepting-applications-for-vita-and-tce-grants-in-may
Combating Inflation: Making the Case that Businesses Are Not to Blame for Inflation
Efforts by policymakers and the administration to blame businesses for inflation ignores all evidence to the contrary. Policymakers should be focused on solutions such as easing regulations, reducing tariffs, and increasing domestic energy production.--US Chamber Of Commerce.
Federal Trade Commission Proposes Small Business Protections Against Telemarketing Tricks and Traps
Agency Also Seeks Public Comment on Combatting Tech-support Scams and Adding Click-to-Cancel Requirements.
NEWS HEADLINES From other sources:
Biden Glitched Again and the White House Transcript Is a Hoot--PJ MEDIA
Bumbling Biden Exudes Weakness
Burger King’s Brilliant Idea: Making Fun of Catholics During Easter
You can’t even get a burger anymore without being read a leftist homily.--American Spectator
LOCAL MEETINGS:
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS;
Clallam County Commission work session for 5/2/22
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1313
Clallam County Board meeting for 5/3/22
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7315
City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 5/3/22
https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/11447/CC-Agenda-Packet-05032022
OMC BOARD MEETING for 5/4/22
https://www.olympicmedical.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AGENDA-May-4-2022.pdf
