Minutes Exhibit A
Port Commission Special Meeting
of May 8, 2018

Buenas tardes. My name is Nora Coronado and I serve as a Commissioner for

the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs. We are a governor-

appointed statewide organization with eleven commissinrs. We thank the
2.741 at WM (7% m HA1

Port of Seattle for this?sol           are honored to be here today to testify in
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support of this measure.
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Our country is a land of immigrants and in Washington state nearly one

million Washingtonians, that is one in every seven people in this state - are

immigrants. We all know the common sense business case for welcoming

immigrants. They are vital to the state's vibrant economy which encompasses

agriculture, aerospace, food processing, timber, construction, health care,

technology, tourism and the defense sector  to name just a few.

For the Commission on Hispanic Affairs being welcoming of our immigrant

and refugee communities is a moral values case as well. Every immigrant is a

human being deserving respect and the opportunity to provide for their

family. Research shows that most Mexican immigrants come to the United

States with a strong sense ofhope and selfdetermination, and that even when

they encounter challenges, they are optimistic that their prospects will be

more favorable than they could ever be in their home country (APA, 2012).

This is especially true for immigrants from impoverished regions and for

whom the new environment offers opportunities for social mobility (Guthey,

2001; Hondagneu-Sotelo, 1994). Immigrants bring diversity, livelihood and

personal experiences that enhance our communities. They are strong and

resilient and when barriers are removed, they participate in the cultural

diversity and education of our state as a whole. The Commission on Hispanic

Affairs will continue to support policies that make this a safe and inclusive

state for immigrants and refugees who make Washington their home.


I thank you again for this opportunity to share my personal views Wose of
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the Commission on Hispanic Affairs.