Immigrant and Refugee Resources
In the Bremerton School District, we are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment for every student.
Under federal and Washington state law—including the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling Plyler v. Doe (1982) and the Washington State Constitution—all children residing within our community have a legal, constitutional right to a free K-12 public education, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status.
Our school district does not collect information regarding student or family immigration status, nor do we require social security numbers or proof of citizenship for enrollment. Every child in our district is entitled to equal access to educational programs, language support services, and safe learning spaces.
Key Legal Guarantees:
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Equal Access: Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and state law, schools cannot deny enrollment, charge tuition, or treat students differently based on national origin, citizenship, or immigration status.
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Privacy & Protection: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects student records, preventing the disclosure of personal information without family consent.
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State Safeguards: Under Washington's Keep Washington Working Act (RCW 43.10.310), public schools limit immigration enforcement activities on campus to ensure schools remain safe spaces for all children.
We invite all immigrant and refugee families to explore the resources below, designed to support your child's academic success and ease your family's transition into our community.
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Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network
Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) supports community members with a hotline with resource information for immigrants. They can provide information about a person's rights with immigration officials and connect people to local volunteers and other resources for support. They also have an online resource-finder database, a bond fund for individuals in the NW ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, and frequent online trainings. Visit website here.
Phone: 844-724-3737 (hotline open 6am-6pm)
American Immigration Council
The American Immigration Council is a powerful voice in promoting laws, policies, and attitudes that honor our proud history as a nation of immigrants. Visit website here.
Phone: 202-507-7500
National Immigration Forum
The National Immigration Forum is one of the leading immigrant advocacy organizations in the country, with a mission to advocate for the value of immigrants and immigration to the nation. Visit website here.
Phone: 202-347-0040
National Immigration Law Center
The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is one of the leading organizations in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants. Visit website here.
Phone: 213-639-3900
Immigrant Legal Resource Center
The mission of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) is to work with and educate immigrants, community organizations, and the legal sector to continue to build a democratic society that values diversity and the rights of all people. Visit wesbite here.
Kitsap Legal Aid Services
The mission of Kitsap Legal Aid Services is to provide and facilitate access to justice in Kitsap County for low-income individuals or marginalized communities through advocacy and free civil legal services. Visit website here.
Family Separation Rapid Response Team
The goals of the Team are to:
- Recommend improvements to statewide policies and practices
- Develop and share resources with families at risk of separation
- Collaborate with trusted community-based organizations
- The Team does not share information with federal immigration enforcement. It also does not respond directly to individual instances of family separation.
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Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center
Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center provides free help completing family safety plans, including Power of Attorney forms, US passport applications, and other resource support. Visit the website here.
Phone: 360-616-2722
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Kitsap Immigration Assistance Center
Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center provides consultations and legal representation for a variety of immigration legal matters for low-income clients. Visit website here.
Phone: 360-616-2722
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project promotes justice by defending and advancing the rights of immigrants through direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and community education. They also provide emergency and safety plan templates. Visit website here.
Phone: 206-587-4009
Colectiva Legal del Pueblo
Colectiva Legal del Pueblo is a non-hierarchal collective organization founded for and by undocumented immigrants working to build community leadership and power for migrant justice through legal advocacy and education. Visit website here.
Phone: 206-931-1514
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Referral Service
AILA is the only legal association in the United States for immigration attorneys. More than 14,000 immigration lawyers are members of AILA. Visit website here.
Immigration Advocates Network National Legal Services Directory
The Immigration Advocates Network (IAN) is a collaborative effort of leading immigrants' rights organizations designed to increase access to justice for low-income immigrants and strengthen the capacity of organizations serving them. Visit website here.