This year has been a remarkable journey for the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (OIRA). Aside from continuing our central work of policy coordination, research and collaboration, OIRA also became further connected into our communities. OIRA co-sponsored the Refugee Walk in multiple cities in June, celebrated Welcoming Week across the state in September, became a fully staffed office, and collaborated with incredible community partners to organize the Legislative School in November, empowering others to advocate effectively. None of this would have been possible without the support and partnership of our community members—thank you for walking alongside us in this work.
As we close out the year, we wish you a restful and joyful holiday season. Let’s carry the spirit of kindness forward together, remembering Maya Angelou's words: “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” By extending kindness, we help build a brighter, more compassionate world.
Gratefully,
Cheryl Miller, Interim Director, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement
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 World Refugee Day in Beaverton, Oregon
 World Refugee Walk along Portland's waterfront
The Oregon legislature will be back in session in January 2025, meaning this is an important time when policies and funding decisions are made. From the Legislative School OIRA collaborated on with partners last month, we know it's helpful to contact your elected representatives as an essential part of making your voice heard in a democracy. Representatives rely on feedback from constituents (people who live in their area which elects them) to make informed decisions on policies that impact their districts. Clear, direct communication about specific issues, such as supporting legislation or raising concerns, ensures your priorities are understood. Whether you're requesting they vote a certain way on a proposal, sharing expertise, or seeking assistance with state agencies, providing a focused and personal message demonstrates why your concerns matter and helps your request stand out among the many communications they receive daily.
Constituents are the foundation of representative democracy, and elected officials prioritize those they represent. Your input shapes their understanding of local needs and guides their actions in the state. Always identify yourself if you are a constituent, clearly state your request, and follow up to keep the issue on their radar. Building respectful and honest relationships with representatives and their staff strengthens their ability to serve their community effectively.
Over the last few months, we've been introducing you to our team members, all of whom play an important role in this work. This month, I'm pleased to highlight Dr. Oanh Nguyen, Policy Advisor for OIRA.
Dr. Oanh Nguyen joined the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement early in 2024. Prior to this role, she spent more than a decade in the field of immigration justice working as a researcher, policy advocate and direct service provider. Her passion for this work is rooted in her lived experience growing up as a 1.5 generation immigrant in outer east Portland. She holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Minnesota, where she specialized in the political economy of labor migration. We are lucky to have her!
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The Oregon Department of Justice has created a Sanctuary Promise Community Toolkit this month. The toolkit is a free, online resource for those seeking to understand Oregon’s sanctuary laws and help ensure that our communities are safe for all. Everyone has the right to live, work, play, and learn safely in Oregon. This toolkit covers the essential information needed to understand, report, and combat violations of Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise Laws. You can also request a training through this resource.
A talk with an immigration attorney may give you helpful information for making decisions. Free and low-cost immigration help is available. Go to oregonlawhelp.org or call the Oregon Law Help public benefits hotline (800-520-5292). Another resource is: https://equitycorps.org/enroll/.
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