For the second year in a row, east King County joins with communities across the United States to host a variety of events that roll out a welcome mat to new arrivals. This 10-day celebration of diversity brings newcomers and longtime residents together to highlight the social, cultural and economic benefits immigrants bring to their adopted communities.

Debbie Lacy, director of the Eastside Refugee and Immigrant Coalition (ERIC), says that this year’s Welcoming Week events hold particular significance in light of executive actions like the travel ban and the recent repeal of DACA that have left many local immigrants and refugees feeling frightened, unwelcomed and isolated.

East King County is home to larger foreign-born populations than many other parts of King County. According to the 2015 American Community Survey (an ongoing U.S. Census Bureau survey) 39 percent of Redmond, 36 percent of Bellevue and 25 percent of Sammamish residents were born outside the U.S., compared to 28 percent in Renton, 22 percent in Federal Way and 18 percent in Seattle.

The City of Redmond is co-sponsoring two events: “Welcoming 101” from 2-4 p.m. on Sept. 15 at the Redmond Library and a World Dance Party during Rainfest from 2-3 p.m. on Sept. 23 at the Redmond Central Connector Park.