In partnership with the Mayor’s Office and the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, the Seattle Office for Civil Rights has created a new Know Your Rights Resource Guide to support immigrant and refugee communities in Seattle. This guide offers essential information on legal rights, local resources, and family safety planning in both English and Spanish. We encourage all community members, local partners, and advocates to utilize this resource as we work together to create a safer, more informed, and welcoming city for everyone.
You are protected by law from discrimination
Washington State law protects you from discrimination based on your immigration and citizenship status. Illegal discrimination could look like:
Threatening you or calling you names because someone thinks you are an immigrant
Refusing to serve you at a business because you “look like an immigrant”
Firing, lowering your position, or not hiring you based on your status, even though you can legally work in the United States
Treating you differently than United States citizens at work or in public in harmful ways
Refusing to rent a home or apartment to you because of your citizenship status
Refusing to make business contracts with you because of your citizenship status
This is general information. If you need legal advice, contact an attorney.
Have you or someone you know experienced discrimination?
The Seattle Office for Civil Rights investigates complaints of illegal discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, and contracting. We will listen and help you file a claim or refer you to another agency for help. We are committed to protecting the status of immigrants and refugees, and will never ask about your status.
How to file a discrimination complaint
To learn more about our investigation process or file a complaint, contact us:
- Online
- By phone at (206) 684-4500, TTY: 7-1-1
- By email at discrimination@seattle.gov, or
- In person at our office on 810 3rd Avenue, Ste. 750, Seattle, WA 98104. Our reception hours may vary, so be sure to check our office information on our website.
Additional information and resources
Visit the Seattle Office for Immigrant and Refugee Affairs’ resource page for more information on legal rights, family safety planning, worksite raids, asylum-related resources, and more.
