Immigrant Welfare
As was widely expected, on Jan. 20, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security rescinded a 2021 DHS memorandum instructing immigration and border patrol officers to refrain from taking enforcement actions at or near protected areas, including medical and mental health facilities. That same day, the Trump administration issued an order that targets “sanctuary” jurisdictions and vows to prioritize identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants.
The Washington State Hospital Association has issued information to its hospital network on how to prepare for these changes, largely based on guidance and model policies from the Washington State Attorney General’s Office issued in 2020. At this time, those model policies and guidance from the state attorney general are the best available guidance for physician practices and organizations wishing to adopt policies and procedures for addressing potential immigration enforcement activity in the future.
Guidance and Model Policies from Attorney General’s Office
In 2019, Washington state enacted the “Keep Washington Working” Act to address concerns with federal immigration enforcement. The law, which was implemented immediately, directed the Office of the Attorney General to develop and publish model guidance “for limiting immigration enforcement to the fullest extent possible consistent with federal and state law” at public schools, publicly operated health facilities, courthouses, and shelters, “to ensure they remain safe and accessible to all Washington residents, regardless of immigration or citizenship status.” The law also encourages private facilities to adopt the policies.
Download the guidance and model policies
Washington Health Facilities: Guidance and Model Policies to Assist in the Implementation of the Keep Washington Working Act.
For questions on the AGO model policies
Questions on these policies can be directed to Chalia Stallings-Ala'ilima, senior counsel in the Office of the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division, chalia.sa@atg.wa.gov, 206.326.5480.
How to report if your practice is visited by federal immigration authorities
The Office of the Attorney General is interested in learning about federal agents’ visits to health facilities. Information can be sent to civilrights@atg.wa.gov.
Red Cards / Tarjetas Rojas
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center, a grassroots advocacy organization, offers "Red Cards" to help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home. Physician practices and organizations can use Red Cards to share this important information with their patients and communities. Give them to patients during appointments or keep them in your waiting room or front desk for patients to take. The cards are available in multiple languages.
About Red Cards.
Tips on how practices can use Red Cards.
How to order Red Cards for your practice.
Other Resources
Keep Washington Working Flyer
Information sheet about individuals' rights under the Keep Washington Working law. Explanations of restrictions and requirements placed on local police, Washington State Patrol, sheriffs, jails, Department of Corrections, school resource officers, and other state agencies under KWW. Available in English and Spanish.
Washington State Nurses Association
WSNA has disseminated "What you need to know if ICE agents come to your workplace," to prepare health professionals for instances when ICE agents (whose uniforms often say “POLICE”) enter the health care facility in which they work, equipping them with what they need to know to protect themselves, their patients, and their license.
Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network
The Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network is the largest immigrant-led coalition in Washington. A volunteer-driven network of immigrant and refugee-rights organizations and individuals distributed across the state that strives to protect, serve, and strengthen communities across the state.
National Immigration Law Center
Health Care Providers and Immigration Enforcement: Know Your Rights, Know Your Patients’ Rights (Last updated December 2024)
Information about caring for LGBTQ+ and AAPI patients, gender-affirming care, and health equity
Physicians and physician assistants play a key role in building a future where culturally sensitive care and a physician population that reflects the patients it serves is our reality. Visit the Health Equity section of the WSMA website to explore culturally sensitive and inclusive resources and best practice guidance.