Immigration

Know Your Rights When Dealing with Police and Immigration
Everyone in Oregon has rights when stopped by police, regardless of immigration status, and state "sanctuary" laws prohibit local law enforcement from asking about or reporting immigration status to federal authorities.
For more about Oregon's "sanctuary" laws and tools to find more information and legal help, go here.
Why It Matters
All people should receive fair treatment under the law, and Oregon must ensure that new citizens are supported in participating fully in our democracy. Immigrants strengthen the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our state.
What We're Doing
Advocacy
We support federal immigration laws that provide efficient, equitable systems for immigrants to enter and thrive in the United States.
Congress must take immediate action to pass common-sense immigration policies that address border management humanely, protect families from separation, and establish a fair path to citizenship. Locally, we advocate for Oregon to continue as a welcoming state that supports immigrant communities and resists discriminatory policies.
Supporting a Path to Citizenship
Diverse voices enrich our democracy, and Oregon benefits from its vibrant immigrant populations. The League believes a pathway to citizenship or provisions for unauthorized immigrants already living in the U.S. to earn legal status will strengthen both our state and our nation.
We have lobbied Congress for a fair path to citizenship and supported the DREAM Act, which is critical for enabling immigrant youth to become fully contributing members of society. In Oregon, these efforts ensure thousands of Dreamers can access education and career opportunities, benefiting our communities and economy.
Helping New Americans Become Active Participants in Our Democracy
Voter education and registration are cornerstones of the League’s work, and we focus on empowering new Oregonians to engage in civic life.
The strongest democracy is one in which every voice is heard. The League is committed to helping new citizens in Oregon become active in political life by providing civic education and registering voters at naturalization ceremonies across the state. We partner with local organizations to ensure all Oregonians, regardless of background, have a voice in shaping our future.

Immigration Resolution
Adopted at the 2020 LWVUS Convention:
Be it resolved the League of Women Voters reaffirms our commitment to Immigration reform: laws that provide efficient, expeditious systems for immigrants to enter the United States. The League stands in solidarity with immigrants and our partners in the immigrant rights community. Congress must take immediate action to pass common sense, fair immigration policies that end the crisis at our borders, end the separation of families, ensure their health and safety, and provide a clear path to citizenship which includes the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) young people.
Resources for Immigrants, Refugees, and Allies
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Providing food, clothing, etc.
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Helping with resettlement (finding employment, enrolling children in school, etc.)
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Offering legal services
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Networking with Partners
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Accompanying immigrants at court hearings
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Love Resists Through Radical Presence: ICE & Court Accompaniment Programs
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Getting started with accompaniment networks and hosting asylum-seeking families and individuals
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Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice Training for volunteers to walk side-by-side with individuals during their immigration process.
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Advocating for fair immigration policies
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Educating the community about immigrant biases, immigration law, and policies
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DoJ: The Sanctuary Promise in Oregon Community Toolkit covers details in the law and people’s rights.
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Do your county’s policies violate the Sanctuary Promise Act? And how you can get involved.
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