Welcoming Immigrants and Refugees

(Posted 12/03/2025) The information below is for educational purposes and is not legal advice. 

ARCH welcomes immigrants and refugees in our rental and homeownership programs. ARCH does not record or inquire about an individual's citizenship or immigration status when providing services to members of the public. ARCH provides information to help answer questions and concerns that we hear from immigrant and refugee communities about accessing affordable housing through ARCH. Our commitment is to treat ALL community members with dignity and respect and to connect individuals with the appropriate resources to support their housing needs.   

ARCH’s Rental Program application does not ask for immigration or documentation status, many of ARCH’s affordable units are within market-rate apartment buildings and property managers have their own application processes that ARCH does not control. Property managers are required to follow laws that prohibit discrimination based on immigration and citizenship status, including the Washington State Law Against Discrimination.  

While ARCH’s Homeownership Program does not collect information regarding immigration or documentation status, many homes developed in partnership with ARCH are sold or financed through independent builders and lenders with their own eligibility and application processes that ARCH does not oversee. These entities are required to comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on immigration or citizenship status, including the Washington State Law Against Discrimination. 

ARCH is not able to provide legal advice or investigate discrimination complaints. We encourage individuals who believe they have experienced housing discrimination to consult with a qualified attorney or legal aid organization for guidance. 

More information on fair housing and national origin can be found here: https://www.hum.wa.gov/fair-housing/national-origin-housing. 

For additional resources see the “immigration” and “legal assistance” sections of ARCH’s Community Resource page - https://www.archhousing.org/community-resources.