Policy Spotlight: OMRA and the Fight for SB 149
🕊️ A Sacred-Rooted Commitment to Justice
As part of the Oregon Migrant Rights Alliance (OMRA), the interfaith movement for immigrant justice has proudly served as a co-convener in a powerful statewide coalition of 18 organizations committed to advancing immigrant rights.
This legislative session, OMRA is throwing its full support behind Senate Bill 149 (SB 149)—a crucial step forward in how Oregon supports refugees and asylum seekers across the state.
(Sources: OLIS, BillTrack50)
What SB 149 Proposes
SB 149 would direct the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) to contract with eligible community-based organizations to provide up to 24 months of comprehensive services to refugees and individuals seeking refugee status. These services include:
🏠 Housing assistance
🩺 Healthcare navigation
⚖️ Legal aid
💼 Employment training
🗣️ Language services
🧠 Psychosocial support
The bill also expands the definition of “eligible entities” to include culturally responsive, community-rooted organizations that are best positioned to meet the real needs of diverse immigrant communities.
(Source: BillTrack50)
OMRA’s Call to Action
In testimony before the Oregon Legislature, OMRA underscored the urgent need for this bill. Due to gaps in federal support, many asylum seekers and parolees in Oregon have been forced to rely on faith communities and mutual aid groups just to meet their basic needs—like food, shelter, and dignity.
SB 149 would move Oregon toward a more just and sustainable framework—one that ensures no one falls through the cracks.
(Source: OLIS)
Legislative Progress
SB 149 has received bipartisan support and is currently under review by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.
OMRA and partners continue to advocate vigorously for its passage, urging lawmakers to ensure Oregon remains a state that truly welcomes and supports all newcomers.
(Sources: COIN Oregon, GovDelivery)
Learn More & Stay Engaged
To follow SB 149’s progress or to read the full text, visit the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS).