THANK YOU for making our 2008 Awards Dinner a success!  Through the generous support of over 650 guests, donors, and sponsors, we raised over $100,000 to support programs that advance our rights of freedom, democracy, and justice for ALL.

We would like to express our sincerest thanks to all the guests, sponsors, and volunteers who made this special event a reality.  (Click here for event photos and details)

A Village Away From Home: Seattle's Purepecha Community:  Don't miss the Immigration Special on KUOW Public Radio 94.9 In this five-part series, KUOW reporter Liz Jones traces a migration trend from the Mexican sierra to Seattle's fastpaced suburbs.  (More info)

Governor’s Executive Order on Immigrant Integration Signed Into Law

Gov. Gregoire has signed an Executive Order establishing a new Washington’s New Americans Policy Council on immigrant integration. Leaders of the State’s diverse communities, gathered at Seattle’s St. James Cathedral to witness and celebrate (02-20-08).

"We need to take a more systematic approach to helping immigrants succeed and become citizens,” Gov. Gregoire said. This new two-year Policy Council will determine how the State can more effectively integrate immigrants into communities across Washington.

“Today, the signing of this Executive Order by Gov. Gregoire makes it clear that our American values of democracy—our values of welcoming the full participation and the creativity of all, are alive and well in our great state of Washington,” said Pramila Jayapal, Executive Director of Hate Free Zone.

LATEST UPDATE 3/21/2008:  A second victory was won for Washington New Americans:  In the State's 2009 budget, new funds were made available for Washington New Americans, to help immigrants become citizens. The legislature appropriated $344,000 for 2009 and included a statement of intent to fund $2 million in the following two years. Now, 135,000 eligible immigrants in Washington State will have a better chance at getting the kind of assistance they need to become American citizens. And community-based organizations providing naturalization services across the State will be stronger!  We could not have done this without your support!

Press Release
Pramila Jayapal's Remarks from the event
Listen to Pramila Jayapal on KUOW 94.9
76 Partners in the New Americans Initiative
Fund the New Americans Program

UPDATES ON IMMIGRATION REFORM:  Hate Free Zone is committed to keeping you informed on the most updated action surrounding the debate on comprehensive immigration reform.  It continues to be essential to take action to ensure true and just reform.