For more than four decades, Catholic Community Services (CCS) has walked alongside our immigrant and refugee neighbors as they navigate complex immigration systems and build new lives in Western Washington. As immigrant communities face increased threats, CCS continues to show up and respond to the urgent needs of our neighbors with trusted legal expertise, compassionate support, and a commitment to human dignity.
Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, CCS’ Catholic Immigration Legal Services (CILS) has provided high-quality, affordable legal services since 1979. The CILS team has served over 50,0000 low-income immigrants and refugees from more than 90 countries with compassion and expertise, helping individuals and families secure legal status, reunite with loved ones, and, above all, find stability and hope. In 2024 alone, CILS provided legal services to more than 1,100 individuals.
“We are human dignity centered. We come from a place of love and equality,” explains Kacey Rackowitz, a DOJ accredited representative with the CILS team. Kacey is also currently enrolled in law school with plans to provide additional legal support to the CILS team after passing the bar.
Immigrant and Refugees Face Unprecedented Challenges
With immigrant communities across the United States navigating a climate of increased fear and confusion, CILS remains a steadfast and trusted resource for our neighbors from all backgrounds. A recent pastoral letter from Archbishop Etienne reminds Catholics to recognize the dignity of all people, to actively love our neighbors, and to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters facing injustice and persecution. CILS puts these values into action every day, with service rooted in respect and compassion for our immigrant neighbors.
The impact of changes to immigration processes has been felt directly by the CILS team and the families they serve. Between January and October 2025, CILS received more than 1,550 requests for support, an increase of 50% compared to the previous year.
Valentina Ashe, who has been a DOJ accredited representative with the CILS team since 2008, has seen this shift firsthand. Despite changes in the immigrant community, CILS has remained a reliable and trusted resource. “They trust us, and they know we will answer our phone. We never leave anybody behind,” Valentina says.
Responding to Urgent Community Needs
Immigration processes have changed rapidly and unpredictably in the United States over the past year, leaving families confused and uncertain about their futures. “Green card holders don’t feel safe right now. Not even naturalized citizens feel safe,” Kacey says.
In response, CILS has partnered with the City of Seattle to create an Immigrant Rapid Response Program, designed to quickly connect immigrants to critical resources in times of urgent need.
CILS is also partnering with parishes throughout Western Washington to host Know Your Rights workshops and Family Safety Planning sessions. Know Your Rights workshops provide information about the U.S. immigration systems and constitutional rights, and Family Safety Planning sessions help families with children prepare for the event of a parent or guardian being detained. In 2025, CILS hosted immigration informational events across Western Washington for more than 1,200 individuals, children, and families.
“We’re doing whatever we can to stay strong and let our communities know that we are here for them,” Kacey says. “These are really hard times.”
Our Commitment to Serving Immigrant Families
Keeping families together is at the heart of the CILS approach. The team helps families with mixed status pursue citizenship to prevent separation, and they offer immigration support to family members still living in refugee camps abroad. CILS embraces clients with complex cases and commits to long-term partnerships to provide ongoing support to families throughout the years.
Though the journey can be long, at the end of the road, families find joy, peace, and stability. “I’m glad to see their happy faces,” Valentina says.
Beyond legal services, CILS sets clients up for long-term success by connecting them with comprehensive resources including healthcare access, workforce opportunities, education, and training.
While the future of immigration in the United States remails uncertain, the CILS team is committed to adapting to the rapidly changing immigration landscape and serving as a reliable partner to immigrants and refugees.
Valentina’s message to the community is simple but heartfelt: “We are here for you.”