With refugee crises growing, we must fight cuts to resettlement | Opinion

Preserve refugee programs

As humanitarian crises intensify, with nearly 3 million refugees in urgent need of resettlement this year, the United States must uphold its role as a global leader in protection. Instead, recent actions have weakened our commitments. In January, the administration suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, halting new arrivals and shutting down the Welcome Corps sponsorship initiative. Even after a court ordered some processing to resume, thousands remain in limbo.

Meanwhile, the Office of Refugee Resettlement cut assistance from 12 to just 4 months, leaving families without adequate support. Now, the administration is considering a drastic admissions cap of only 40,000 — prioritizing white South Africans — compared to the 125,000 goal set previously.

Refugee policy should be based on vulnerability, not race. Restoring a robust resettlement program is not only a humanitarian necessity but also an affirmation of American values.

Alexis A. Cortes, Tacoma

Online learning growing

As we approach National Online Learning Day on Sept. 15, it’s important to recognize the growing role of virtual education in Washington state. At Washington Virtual Academies (WAVA), we’ve supported K–12 students statewide with full-time, tuition-free online learning for more than a decade, long before the pandemic made it a household term.

Families are increasingly choosing online options that offer flexibility, personalized academic support and a safe, inclusive learning environment. A recent survey found over 60% of parents considered switching schools last year, many of them exploring online alternatives.

Online learning is not one-size-fits-all. From career prep to individualized learning pathways, WAVA helps students thrive and prepare for the real world, whether they live in Seattle or rural Pierce County.

Educational choice matters. Let’s continue to support learning models that meet the diverse needs of Washington families.

Susan Boyer, Tacoma

Support animal welfare advocates

As a voter, as an advocate or as someone who loves animals, it’s important to know whether our elected officials are taking steps to protect the companion animals and wild species of Washington State from harm.

Humane World Action Fund (formerly Humane Society Legislative Fund) has just published its first “Humane Scorecard” for Washington State, revealing the votes cast by each legislator on key animal welfare initiatives during the 2025 legislative session. This year, lawmakers came together to ban the use of iconic species like elephants and bears in circuses, upgrade a variety of animal cruelty laws to crack down on animal abusers and achieve two powerful protections introduced by Rep. Mari Leavitt — thanks to her leadership, good Samaritans may now rescue a person or a pet in danger from a locked vehicle, and emergency shelters can now welcome companion animals during disasters. Each of these four lifesaving new laws went into effect on July 27.

Champions like Rep. Leavitt can only continue their fight for animals with the support of voters. As candidates campaign for your vote, refer to their scores on the 2025 Humane Scorecard, and encourage them to cast pro-animal votes for those without a voice.

Stephanie Hillman, Seattle

Should we change our charter?

Every 10 years, we have the opportunity to review and make adjustments to our Pierce County Charter (our county’s governing constitution). It’s not glamorous, but it is important.

I’m supporting Justin Leighton for the Charter Commission because I know he is super organized and efficient, open to new ideas, and will keep the Commission on track and on time.

Justin has past experience with the Tacoma City Charter, with redistricting, and numerous other civic committees and commissions. I trust his judgment and know that he will handle this work competently and completely.

Evelyn Fielding Lopez, Tacoma

This story was originally published August 24, 2025 at 5:00 AM.