From Friday, Feb. 7, to Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, Seattle’s restaurant, bar, and coffee scene will unite to support a powerful cause: raising funds for the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP), a nonprofit that provides legal services, advocacy, and education to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Washington state.
The Seattle Hospitality Immigration Fundraiser—a citywide event featuring more than 150 participating venues—aims to support immigrant communities, especially in light of the recent surge in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and Trump’s executive orders disrupting the lives of immigrant families. Throughout the weekend, locals can contribute by dining and drinking at participating businesses, with a portion of proceeds going directly to NWIRP.
Trump’s return to office in late January 2025 sparked fear and uncertainty regarding immigrant rights in numerous communities. While Seattle is known for its progressive stance on immigration, the rise in ICE deportations and Trump’s executive order attempting to eliminate birthright citizenship has caused significant distress amongst immigrant families, giving reason for communities to come together to protest Trump’s executive orders and plans affecting immigrants. Concerns over recent ICE raids have even impacted Seattle schools, which have reported increased absentee rates among students of immigrant families. This follows an executive order allowing immigration officers to arrest individuals at sensitive locations such as schools and churches.
This fundraiser is about more than just raising funds; it’s about bringing people together and uniting businesses to stand in solidarity with immigrant workers, families, and friends during a time of increased hardship. As our communities face growing challenges, this weekend provides Seattleites a chance to support immigrant communities by dining at one (or more!) of the participating venues. Even something as simple as buying one small cup of coffee can contribute to making a big difference for those who need it most.
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