Bellingham is an inclusive community. The City Council passed an ordinance in February 2017 reaffirming a commitment to keeping Bellingham a safe and welcoming city by focusing resources on local needs, not on enforcing federal immigration law. Maintaining trust of all residents, and avoiding discriminatory policing, is a critical element in maintaining resident cooperation in law enforcement. In 2019, the City established an Immigration Advisory Board to review existing legislation, programs, and practices and propose improvements.
Immigrant Resource Center
The City is considering a recommendation from the Immigration Advisory Board that it create an Immigrant Resource Center to provide a gathering place for immigrant communities and help immigrants access services and education. Options for the center were discussed during a series of Council meetings, linked below.
- Video, November 7, 2022, Immigration Advisory Board Report
- Video, October 24, 2022, Discussion of Immigrant Resource Center Models
- Video, August 1, 2022, Update on Immigrant Resource Center
- Video, May 9, 2022, Discussion of Immigrant Resource Center
Ordinances
- Video, October 21, 2019: An Ordinance Establishing an Immigration Advisory Board
- Video, February 25, 2019: Review of Ordinance 2017-02-008 on City Policy on Immigration Enforcement and Equal Protection
- Ordinance 2017-02-008: City Policy on Immigrant Enforcement, Equal Protection, and Equal Provision of City Services
- Press Release: New Bellingham ordinance keeps City focused on local needs
- Bellingham Municipal Code 2.25: Equal Protection and Provision of Services
Resolutions
- Resolution 2019-13: Honoring the Sikh Community of Bellingham
- Resolution 2017-34: Affirming Bellingham City Council Support for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Immigrant Program
- Resolution 2017-10: Affirming the Safety of All People Residing in Bellingham
Policy Discussions and Statements
- Video, August 26, 2019: Background on SB 5497, Keep Washington Working Act; Discussion of City Complaint Policy and Process
- Video, August 19, 2019: Citywide Policies Related to City Services; Presentation, Join Hands Against Hate; Discussion of Work Group on Immigration
- Video, July 15, 2019: Discussion of Work Plan Items Related to Immigration
- January 30, 2017: Statement on executive orders on immigration
