Lornet Turnbull

Lornet Turnbull is a Seattle-based journalist who has spent more than 20 years reporting on everything from the auto industry and big labor to state politics and homelessness. For the last 10 years, as a reporter for The Seattle Times, she wrote extensively on two of the most contentious social issues of our time: immigration and gay rights. She can be reached at lturnbull321@gmail.com.
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Niyati Desai, originally from Mumbai but living in Seattle on an H4 visa, will be eligible to work in the U.S. under a new plan detailed by Homeland Security this week. (Courtesy photo)

Work permits on the way for some H1B tech workers’ spouses

by Lornet Turnbull
Under an extension of Obama's Executive Action on Immigration finalized Tuesday, spouses of thousands of skilled H1B workers at places like Amazon and Microsoft will now be able to work legally in the U.S.
Feb 25, 2015
The turnout at Highline College at an informational event earlier this month. (Photo courtesy of NWIRP)

Opportunities, challenges await immigrant parents eligible for Obama’s deferred action

by Lornet Turnbull
“These work permits have an expiration date to them,” said Corona, who also heads the Washington Dream Act Coalition. “It's an obvious and clear thing for an employer who may start questioning the longevity of someone they are about to make an major investment in.”
Dec 17, 2014
Seattleites joined Mayor Murray, Rep. Adam Smith and immigrant rights advocates at a rally outside the Federal Building Thursday, heralding Obama's executive action and demanding further steps toward immigration reform. (Photo by Alex Garland)

Obama announces largest immigration overhaul in decades

by Lornet Turnbull
Despite warnings from Republicans, the president took unilateral action Thursday that shields millions from deportation.
Nov 20, 2014