Letter from Executive Director Malou Chávez and Board President Liz Dunbar

Almost forty years ago, legal advocates, social workers, faith-based community members, and many others responded in support of asylum seekers from Central America who were being placed in deportation proceedings and ordered deported in large numbers here in Washington state. Their collective effort began Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. 

Since then, the demographics of our client communities have expanded significantly. Today, NWIRP serves clients whose place of birth represents nearly 150 countries and who collectively speak over 60 different languages. Yet, while the demographics of our client communities have come to include people from all over the globe, our work continues to respond to the need for legal representation to obtain or defend one’s immigration status. 

We are very proud to report that your support has helped us provide life-changing legal services to over 14,500 community members in 2022 through direct representation, community education, and systemic advocacy. We have also become increasingly aware of the holistic needs of our clients beyond legal support. NWIRP’s Social Services Unit addresses these needs by connecting community members to vital resources, including housing support, physical and mental health services, employment opportunities, and more. 

Since the beginning, NWIRP has hoped that one day, our work will no longer be necessary. However, structural barriers continue to keep immigrants from accessing the same safety and security we all deserve. Therefore, we must continue providing the steadfast support necessary to fight back against injustice. And thanks to the bravery of our clients, the tireless work of the NWIRP team and our volunteers, and the generosity of this community, this impact report is full of hard-fought victories. 

We are grateful you have joined us on this nearly 40-year journey and that your support makes it possible for Northwest Immigrant Rights Project to defend and advance the rights of immigrants for years to come.

With enduring gratitude,

Liz Dunbar, Board President
Malou Chávez, Executive Director