SPOKANE, Wash. – Pew Research reported a record-breaking 14 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. in 2023. While numbers grew into 2024, policy shifts under the Biden and Trump administrations have slowed this growth. Pew attributes this trend to increased deportations and reduced protections.
Organizations in Spokane are observing shifts in the services requested by refugees and immigrants in wake of federal immigration policy changes. Initiatives that the Trump administration says is to protect border security and prevent crime.
Thrive International and Manzanita House, both active in supporting this community, have noted these changes. Mark Finney, Executive Director of Thrive International, says that a group with increased presence at Thrive are individuals moving from one part of the US to Spokane.
“We are seeing people who want to come to the state of Washington and Spokane specifically because it’s a safer, more supportive place than certain other places,” Finney said.
He pointed to several families from Florida, who he says moved because of unfavorable state policies.
“Some folks who do have legal status to be here feel they’re harassed and they don’t want to be in communities that aren’t welcoming,” Finney said.
Samuel Smith, Director of Immigrant Legal Aid at Manzanita House, has also seen changes.
“It’s just making it more of a risk to try to access the United States and cutting out legal pathways for individuals who enter irregularly,” Smith said.
The organization is working to meet the increased demand for assistance as enforcement efforts lead to more detentions.
Despite challenges, Manzanita House and Thrive International say they will continue to support their community.
They are organizing events like a drive to provide children with new backpacks and shoes and a legal event focused on asset protection amid deportation risks.
“There are still a lot of people who live here who are new and are working to get themselves established, so we’re here to make sure they succeed,” Finney said.
