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There are more than 404,200 immigrants in Oregon, about one in ten Oregonians. Together, immigrants make up 18 % of Oregon’s workforce.
Since 1975, more than 67,000 refugees have resettled here, and nearly 200,000 noncitizens are navigating immigration processes today.
These are our neighbors, coworkers, and classmates who are part of the fabric of this state.
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 Oregon’s diversity is our strength. Immigrants and refugees are an essential part of our communities, our workforce, and our future.
As Governor Kotek affirms, I too stand with my immigrant brothers and sisters who are living in fear right now. I know that fear because I’ve lived it. I grew up undocumented and watched family members be taken away. That kind of loss and uncertainty never leaves you. No one should live wondering if today will be the day they are separated from their loved ones. We all belong, and we all deserve safety in our homes, schools and workplaces.
Oregon has long been palace rooted in compassion and community. Let’s make sure that remains true for everyone who calls this state home.
Oregon is also home to extraordinary language diversity. More than 160 languages are spoken across our state. The ten most common include Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, Tagalog, Arabic, Korean, Ukrainian, Somali, and Chuukese. Each represents communities that bring their own history, skills, and culture, and that depend on language access to fully participate in public life.
That is why immigration is not just a federal issue, it is a state one. When federal policies change, Oregon feels it in classrooms, clinics, and community programs that serve families across the state
 Fear impacts health. Belonging strengthens it.
Source: https://www.kff.org/immigrant-health/recent-trump-administration-policies-that-impact-health-coverage-and-care-for-immigrant-families/
Recent data from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows what those changes can mean for people’s health and wellbeing. One in three immigrants report experiencing negative health impacts such as anxiety, sleeplessness, or worsening health because of fear over immigration status. For lawfully present immigrants, that number rises to four in ten. Fear of being targeted, detained, or simply looking or sounding immigrant has real consequences for people’s health and daily lives.
The data is sobering, but it also reminds us why our work matters. We have an opportunity right now to build systems that center health, belonging, and trust, especially when fear and uncertainty are growing.
As Oregon continues to plan and adapt, our responsibility is clear: to meet fear with stability and uncertainty with belonging. Our systems must be ready, not only to respond to federal changes, but to build trust, safety, and opportunity here at home.
Our communities are strong. Their contributions shape every part of this state. The work ahead is to make sure our policies reflect that truth.
If you’d like to learn more about OIRA’s work and where we’re headed next, join us for our virtual open house on Thursday, November 6 from 10 to 11 a.m. You’ll hear directly from our team about our mission, current projects, and vision for the future.
We’re also inviting partners to share feedback that will help shape OIRA’s next chapter. Mmapeu Consulting, an independent advisory organization, is conducting a confidential survey to gather input on community priorities. It takes about 20 minutes to complete and will be open until Monday, November 10 at 5 p.m. (PST).
Thank you for helping guide this work. Hope is not passive. It’s something we build together in policy, in community, and in how we care for one another. The choices we make now will shape whether Oregon remains a place where everyone can thrive.
Oregon Department of Human Services to Lead State’s Food Emergency Response to the Federal Government Shutdown
Governor Kotek announces statewide food emergency
Many people in Oregon are facing food insecurity as the federal government shutdown halts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits. We know this creates deep uncertainty and distress for the people and communities we serve — and for our valued partners who are helping to meet the growing need.
Governor Tina Kotek has announced a coordinated state response to make sure families continue to have access to food during this difficult time.
Key State Actions
Governor Kotek announced three key actions on Oct. 29, 2025, in a news release:
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Food Emergency Declaration: The Governor has declared a food emergency to ensure the state can use all available resources to keep food flowing. The ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM) will lead the agency response in coordination with Oregon Emergency Management (OEM).
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$5 Million in Emergency Food Funding: ODHS will release $5 million to support Oregon’s network of food banks. This will help food banks purchase and distribute food and sustain local operations.
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Statewide Call to Action: The Governor is encouraging all in Oregon to come together by donating to their local food pantry, community food bank or Oregon Food Bank, contributing to “Blue Bag” food collection bins at grocery stores, and volunteering in their communities.
How ODHS and Partners Are Working Together
ODHS has updated its online food resource hub — needfood.oregon.gov and alimentos.oregon.gov — to connect people in Oregon with food assistance and local programs. OREM is coordinating closely with the Oregon Food Bank, local partners and other state agencies to direct emergency resources where they are needed most.
Across ODHS, staff in programs such as the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP), Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) and the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) are contributing to this effort. From focusing on processing as many SNAP applications as possible before November 1 to supporting senior meal programs and outreach to individuals with disabilities, these teams are working in close partnership with local organizations and providers to reach Oregonians who are most impacted.
We recognize that community partners are on the front lines with us — connecting with families, providing food, and supporting people through this uncertainty. Your work is vital to the success of this statewide response, and we are grateful for your continued partnership and collaboration.
Stay Informed
ODHS will continue to share updates and new resources for partners as the situation evolves. Please monitor:
Together for Oregon
This is a challenging moment for our state, but Oregon has a strong network of public, private and community partners who show up for one another. Thank you for your tireless work to help ensure that no one in Oregon goes hungry. Together, we will get through this.
New funding opportunity through the 2026-28 Oregon Immigrant/Refugee Student Success Grant Program
These grants are designed to support initiatives that address barriers to educational success for Oregon’s immigrant and refugee students.
Grant Amount: Up to $400,000 per grant
Purpose: To support programs tailored to immigrant/refugee students, focusing on strategies to improve attendance, transitions between educational stages, and community and family engagement.
Application Deadline: December 1, 2025, by 3:00 p.m. PST
Eligibility: This opportunity is available to community-based organizations, school districts, education service districts, early learning hubs, early learning providers, public charter schools, tribal governments, and post-secondary institutions.
How to Apply: All application materials can be found on the OregonBuys website under “File Attachments.” Please review the materials thoroughly before applying.
Questions? If you have any questions or need further clarification, please submit questions to Immigrant/Refugee Questions Submission Form. Questions received by November 19, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. PST, will be included in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document, which will be posted on OregonBuys. We encourage you to share this opportunity with your networks and partners serving immigrant/refugee communities to maximize the reach and impact of these grants. Thank you for your continued commitment to supporting Oregon’s diverse student population. For future updates on the Immigrant/Refugee Student Success Program, subscribe to our listserv.
Limited-Term Commercial Driver's License and Commercial Learner's Permit Updates
Effective Sept. 29, 2025, Oregon DMV stopped issuing limited-term (non-domiciled) CDLs and CLPs.
Oregon DMV is no longer issuing limited-term (non-domiciled) Commercial Driver's Licenses and Commercial Learner's Permits until further notice. A non-domiciled CDL or CLP is a Commercial Driver's License or Commercial Learner’s Permit issued by a U.S. state to citizens of a foreign country who are legally in the U.S. on a temporary basis without permanent U.S. resident status or U.S. citizenship. Oregon calls these limited-term licenses. This means asylum seekers, asylees, refugees, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, and individuals granted an Employment Authorization Document. The change is due to a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration emergency interim final rule that makes changes to eligibility requirements for limited-term CDLs and CLPs. The rule requires states to immediately stop issuing these credentials until they can ensure compliance with updated regulations.
This ruling has a broad impact, not only for limited-term CDL and CLP holders, but also trucking companies, third-party testers, and businesses that employ these credential holders. There are approximately 1,400 limited-term CDL and CLP holders in Oregon. This action does not affect anyone’s legal status in the U.S., only their ability to obtain a commercial driving privilege.
Federal information is also available.
Welcoming America announces Rural Welcoming Initiative - apply now!
Welcoming America is excited to announce our ongoing commitment to rural communities in 2026! Apply now for a chance to participate in the Rural Welcoming Initiative (RWI). This competitive initiative will engage 10 rural communities in strengthening their welcoming efforts.
• 🧰 Coaching and tailored technical assistance
• 💬 Peer learning opportunities
• 🤝 Rural local-to-local community partnerships
• 🏡 An in-person Rural Welcoming Gathering
• 🎟️ Free Welcoming America membership for 2026
⏰ Deadline: November 21 at 11:59 PM
🔍 Explore details about the program, application, and eligibility:
Free Course for Interpreters – Embrace the Future with Confidence
Change can be a powerful force for growth. This free, self-paced course invites you to reflect on how essential interpreting skills, such as memory, active listening, cultural understanding, and empathy, continue to anchor our work, even as technology and new practices transform the field.
And this is just the beginning. In 2026, this training will expand by exploring themes such as:
• Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)
• Hybrid interpreting environments
• Expanded roles in advocacy, consulting, and leadership
Each video builds on the foundation of Interpreting Tomorrow, helping you move forward with confidence, adaptability, and vision. More to come soon!
Free Webinar Series from Welcoming America
As 2025 comes to a close, we're excited to offer a special webinar series that revisits some of the highest-rated breakout sessions from this year's Welcoming Interactive. Whether you joined us in Detroit or were unable to attend, this series is a great way to revisit key insights, catch sessions you may have missed, and access valuable information from the field.
✅ Register separately for each session you want to attend
✅ Recordings will be available after each webinar
✅ Questions? Contact us at events@welcomingamerica.org
Mental Health and Immigration Uncertainty Webinar
On October 28, 2025, the Presidents’ Alliance, in partnership with TheDream.US, Immigrants Rising, Informed Immigrant, the National Latinx Psychological Association (NLPA), and the Immigrant Mental Health Lab at Rutgers University, hosted a timely webinar on Mental Health and Immigration Uncertainty. The session introduced a new mental health guide designed to support students, scholars, educators, and practitioners navigating the intersections of immigration status and well-being.
Department of Homeland Security ends Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization
The Department of Homeland Security has announced an interim final rule ending the practice of automatically extending employment authorization documents for aliens filing renewal applications in certain employment authorization categories.
Oregon Law Help is designed to help low-income Oregonians without access to a lawyer. It uses plain language and is multi-lingual. It provides extensive resources for self-help as well as guidance on finding legal help.
Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition offers a hotline for assistance and multiple "Know your rights" documents
Join us for the IRCO and CCHC Community Health Fair!
📅 Saturday, November 1, 2025
🕚 11 AM – 2 PM
📍 10323 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97220
This event will bring together vital health and community resources in one convenient, welcoming setting. Attendees can access on-site support and opportunities, including:
- Bill Discount Program – bring your current bills and learn how to save.
- Comcast Sign-Ups – new users can enroll for services and receive a free modem that day.
- OHP Enrollment – get help signing up for the Oregon Health Plan.
- And more community resources designed to support your health, financial stability, and well-being.
Come connect, learn, and take advantage of these valuable programs—all in one place! Please contact Berryl Omollo - bomollo@csnpdx.org with any questions about this event.
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Winter is coming—are you ready? Join us at Parkrose High School for a Winter Preparedness Fair on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 11 AM to 2 PM for a day packed with essential tips, resources, and fun activities to help you and your family stay safe and cozy all season long.
Whether you're a seasoned winter warrior or new to the area, this event has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with your community and prepare for the colder months ahead. Stay tuned for additional details!
Attendees - A friendly reminder to bring a copy of your utility bills so we can help you potentially access discounts (income eligible). For vaccinations, if you can bring your medical card if you are insured, that would be super helpful. Please see flyer for additional offerings. All offerings at this event are on a first-come, first-serve basis. We look forward to having you join us!
DOWNLOAD FLYER: SPANISH, UKRAINIAN, CHINESE, VIETNAMESE
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