HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-06 - Emergency Declaration - Growing Number of Asylum SeekersCity of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
Mayor's Office - David Cline, City Administrator
Press Release
Press Contact: Victor Masters
(206) 455-5887
v.masters@tukwilawa.gov
Tukwila Issues Emergency Declaration
October 6, 2023
Today, pursuant to powers granted under the Tukwila Municipal Code, Mayor Allan Ekberg has
declared a State of Emergency to address the growing number of asylum seekers in the region who are
seeking assistance in the City of Tukwila. Asylum seekers are those who have been lawfully admitted
into the United States by the Federal Government while they await adjudication of their asylum
request. This wait time currently averages upwards of four years from the date of their application for
asylum until their asylum case is heard by a federal immigration judge.
The State of Emergency declaration allows the City to adopt emergency zoning rules, suspend
competitive bidding, and seek funding from the State of Washington and the Federal Government to
address the growing need of asylum seekers.
In the spring of this year, the Riverton Park United Methodist Church (RPUMC) in Tukwila
started to see the arrival of a small number of asylum seekers on its property. The church has
historically been a temporary home to those in need and those seeking shelter. Throughout the
summer and early fall, the number of asylum seekers at the RPUMC dramatically increased from 50 to
nearly 200 people, including family units with many newborns and small children. This number
coincided with an increase of asylum seekers across the region which the City of Tukwila recently
became aware of. "The Tukwila community has always been welcoming to refugees and immigrants
from around the world. Many new arrivals to the United States have called Tukwila home in their
pathway to citizenship," noted Mayor Allan Ekberg.
On Monday, October 2, 2023, the City of Tukwila attended a roundtable discussion hosted by
the RPUMC to outline how the City of Tukwila, other government entities, and non -profits could
provide needed services for asylum seekers. Prior to the meeting, City of Tukwila officials had toured
and evaluated the RPUMC living conditions of the asylum seekers to help identify immediate needs on
the property and to begin coordinating with other entities to provide those necessary and vital
services. "Addressing the needs of asylum seekers is bigger than one city and requires leadership and
support from King County, the State of Washington, and the Federal government," remarked Mayor
Ekberg.
Tukwila City Hall • 6200 Southcenter Boulevard • Tukwila, WA 98188 • 206-433-1800 • Website: TukwilaWA.gov