EDITOR’S NOTE: South King Media Founder/Publisher Scott Schaefer serves on the Board of Directors for the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce.

The Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce is voicing concerns over recent federal policies affecting immigration, workforce development, and nonprofit funding, warning that these changes could have profound economic consequences for South King County.

“These actions do not just disrupt lives – they widen the gap between surviving and thriving for many in our community,” Samantha Le, President and CEO of the Chamber said in an email sent out to members on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

The policies, which include stricter visa regulations, reductions in refugee admissions, and cuts to social and workforce programs, create significant challenges for local businesses and workers, Le said. She noted that Southwest King County has long been a hub for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, many of whom own, operate, or staff businesses that are crucial to the local economy.

“I, myself, am a Vietnamese refugee. I know firsthand the challenges that come with rebuilding a life in a new country,” Le said. “Policies that restrict opportunities for immigrants and asylum seekers do not just harm individuals—they harm our entire economy.”

The Chamber highlighted data showing that nearly all U.S. labor force growth since 2020 has come from immigrants.

“Without this growth, industries ranging from hospitality to healthcare would face even greater labor shortages,” Le warned.

Beyond businesses, nonprofits that provide essential services are also feeling the strain, as federal funding cuts force tough decisions about staffing and programming.

“With resources already stretched thin, the demand for services continues to rise, leaving many at risk of losing access to food, shelter, legal assistance, and job training,” Le said.

The Chamber pledged to advocate for policies that support all businesses, nonprofits, and workers, regardless of origin. It also plans to provide updates, resources, and partnerships to help the community navigate these challenges.

“We encourage our community to stay engaged, stay informed, and stand together,” Le said.

For more information, visit the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce website.

Letter from the CEO

Below is full text of the email sent out by Le to chamber members on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025:

“Southside Communities,

“As an organization that represents one of the most diverse and economically dynamic regions in Washington State, the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce remains committed to supporting our businesses, workers, and the communities they serve.

“Recent executive actions related to immigration policy, workforce development funding, and federal support programs have raised significant concerns for our region. These policies, which include stricter visa regulations, reductions in refugee admissions, and funding cuts to critical social and workforce programs, create new barriers for businesses and workers alike. These actions do not just disrupt lives—they widen the gap between surviving and thriving for many in our community.

“Southwest King County has long been a place of opportunity and resilience, welcoming and employing thousands of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Many of our local businesses are owned, operated, and staffed by individuals who came to this country seeking safety, stability, and opportunity. I, myself, am a Vietnamese refugee. I know firsthand the challenges that come with rebuilding a life in a new country. Policies that restrict opportunities for immigrants and asylum seekers do not just harm individuals—they harm our entire economy, limiting access to skilled labor, slowing business growth, and creating uncertainty for employers and employees alike.

“The data is clear: immigrants are a vital part of our workforce. Since 2020, nearly all U.S. labor force growth has come from immigrants, while the participation of native-born workers has remained mostly stagnant. The foreign-born labor force has grown by approximately 15%, ensuring that businesses have the workers they need to operate and thrive. Without this growth, industries ranging from hospitality to healthcare would face even greater labor shortages.

“These policies are not just impacting businesses—they are devastating the nonprofit organizations that provide essential services to our communities. Many of these organizations are now facing federal funding cuts, forcing them to make difficult decisions about staffing, programming, and the level of support they can provide. With resources already stretched thin, the demand for services continues to rise, leaving many at risk of losing access to food, shelter, legal assistance, and job training.

“Over the past few days, I have heard directly from business owners, community leaders, and families who are deeply concerned about what these changes mean for their future. The small business owner unsure if their employees will be able to renew work permits. The nonprofit leader questioning how long they can continue operating under increased financial strain. The working individual who fear they may lose access to crucial support programs. These concerns are real, and they demand urgent attention.

“We believe in an economy that works for everyone—where businesses can grow, workers have opportunities, and no one lives in fear of what tomorrow will bring. Whether you live, work, or play in Seattle Southside, you deserve to feel secure in your future and have access to foundational support. As a nation of immigrants, our strength lies in our diversity, resilience, and ability to uplift one another.

“The Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce stands in solidarity with our community and will continue advocating for policies that support all businesses, nonprofits, and workers, regardless of where they come from. We also recognize that action is needed. In the coming times, we will be sharing updates through our newsletters, including information on partnerships with community organizations that can provide resources, guidance, and support to help business owners, workers, and families stay informed and prepared.

“We encourage our community to stay engaged, stay informed, and stand together as we navigate these challenges.

“– Samantha Le (she/her)
“President & CEO of the Seattle Southside Chamber 
“Executive Director of the Success Foundation”