Today, on National Immigrants Day, the Port of Seattle Commission unanimously adopted an updated Welcoming Port Policy Directive, reaffirming the Port of Seattle’s commitment to ensuring that all people — regardless of immigration status — are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness across all Port facilities.
Originally adopted in 2018, the Welcoming Port Policy was one of the first of its kind in the nation. The updated directive strengthens the Port’s stance on civil immigration enforcement, expands language access, and reflects the Port’s values of openness, responsible information practices, and community collaboration.
“As the proud daughter of a labor leader and descendant of Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II, I know firsthand how policies can either divide or uplift,” said Commission President Toshiko Hasegawa. “On National Immigrants Day, we reaffirm our commitment to being a Welcoming Port — where every person, regardless of origin, is treated with dignity and respect. This updated policy strengthens our promise to protect the rights of immigrants and ensure our gateways remain open, inclusive, and just. The Port of Seattle is not only a hub for global trade — it is a beacon of opportunity and hope for all.”
The updated policy adds direction to Port employees regarding immigration-related activities on Port property — from prohibiting the use of time or resources to support civil immigration enforcement unless required by law to providing clear steps to respond to immigration-related inquiries. It also ensures that individuals with limited English proficiency have meaningful access to services, and that personal information is protected against unauthorized disclosure.
“The truth is, in nearly every American family there’s an immigrant story, whether it began with our parents, our great-grandparents, or generations before,” said Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed. “Our journeys are woven together in the fabric of this nation, stories of resilience, contribution, and shared progress. Immigrants power our economy, drive innovation, and contribute billions in taxes that sustain our schools, our roads, and our shared prosperity. From agriculture to aviation, from small businesses to global trade, immigrants are the backbone of American industry. On National Immigrants Day, we honor that truth and we act on it. As a sponsor of this updated Welcoming Port Policy, I want to thank the community organizations whose feedback, guidance, and expertise helped shape it. The Port of Seattle is a special-purpose government, and while our authority has limits, our values do not. We use every tool in our toolbox to ensure dignity, fairness, and opportunity for everyone who passes through our facilities.”
The Port’s policy update comes at a time when increased immigration enforcement actions and significant federal policy shifts continue to impact local communities. Commissioners Hasegawa and Mohamed emphasized that the Port’s role as a global gateway must be grounded in equity and inclusion.
The Port will continue to work with community partners, legal advocates, and federal agencies to ensure that its facilities remain safe, accessible, and welcoming to all.
Contact
Katherine Fountain | Senior Media Officer
(206) 787-3071 | [email protected]
