OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington state’s generous treatment of refugees may end after this year as a tough economy and a state budget deficit force lawmakers to consider cuts to many aid programs.
Historically, Washington has been one of the most popular states with resettlements. According to State Department figures, Washington ranked sixth in the past six years, with about 24,500 refugees resettling here.
But Gov. Chris Gregoire has proposed cutting key programs that provide English classes, job search help, and naturalization orientation to refugees.
The state has already imposed a 15 percent reduction in monthly cash benefits refugees receive.
Refugee advocates are worried that decreasing help will put refugees at risk of homelessness. They also say that cutting English and job search help will stall a refugee’s resettlement progress.
