By
Times editorial columnist
Since 1975, Washington has welcomed more than 133,000 refugees to the state from more than 71 countries around the world. The Times’ April 26 editorial pays tribute to former Gov. Dan Evans, who helped establish the state’s legacy of aiding people fleeing violence and persecution in their homeland.
The Times Opinion Page asked those who are part of the state’s 40-year refugee experience to share their stories by answering two questions:
- What does it mean to be a refugee or to help refugees in Washington state?
- What went well during resettlement and what were the biggest challenges?
A sampling of those submissions are posted in the gallery above.
Thanks to those who shared their experiences with us.
Thanh Tan: 206-464-2193 or
ttan@seattletimes.com;
on Twitter: @TaninSeattle. Thanh is a multimedia editorial writer. Prior to joining the editorial board of The Seattle Times, she was a political and general assignment reporter with local TV stations in Boise and Portland, an Emmy-winning reporter / producer / host with Idaho Public Television, and a multimedia reporter / producer with The Texas Tribune in Austin. She has also contributed to "This American Life" and The New York Times. Born and raised in Olympia, Thanh graduated with honors from the University of Southern California. She loves food, music, politics, films, yoga, the outdoors and journalism. She lives in South Seattle.
The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only, and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.