Gov. Chris Gregoire honored for advancing civil rights for immigrants

For Immediate Release: May 2, 2008

Gregoire recognized with Hate Free Zone�s 10,000 Kilowatt Award

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today was recognized by Hate Free Zone, an immigrant rights advocacy group, for her work supporting and advancing the rights of Washington immigrants. She was honored with the 10,000 Kilowatt Award during the group�s annual celebration dinner and fundraising event.

�This award means a lot to me,� Gregoire said. �I deeply admire and respect the Hate-Free Zone Campaign � and its fearless, tireless work on behalf of immigrants.�

Gregoire issued an Executive Order in February 2008 creating the New Americans Policy Council. The council makes recommendations to the governor�s office on immigrant concerns, like helping legal permanent residents become naturalized, helping immigrants learn English and improve language skills and facilitating the transfer of skills, certifications and professional credentials people earn in other countries into Washington�s economy. The council includes representatives from state agencies, the Refugees� Advisory Council, business and labor, and community and nonprofit organizations.

�The United States has flourished as a rich and diverse nation thanks to individuals from all over the world who moved to our country,� Gregoire said. �Washington benefits from the talents, contributions, resilience, hard work, entrepreneurialism, and skills of people seeking to become New Americans.�

During the 2008 legislative session, Gov. Gregoire signed legislation spending $344,000 towards helping 135,000 eligible immigrants get needed assistance to become citizens.

�Our nation is strong only when all people participate to the fullest working toward the American Dream for their children,� says Pramila Jayapal, executive director of Hate Free Zone. �We�ve been privileged to work with Gov. Chris Gregoire as she�s taken this critical step toward assuring Washington State integrates immigrants with the tools they need to contribute to our culture and economy.�

Hate Free Zone advances the fundamental principles of democracy and justice at the local, state and national levels by building power within immigrant communities, in collaboration with key allies.