COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Recommendation Number: 2020422-002A3 Regarding: Increase in Legal Services Funding WHEREAS, we heard that from the community that legal services funding is crucial, and that there is still unmet need WHEREAS, there are immigrants who need access to counsel, and cannot afford attorneys. This is especially so for immigrants facing removal proceedings. WHEREAS, in a time of increased enforcement, more people are at risk of being placed in removal proceedings. In a time of increasingly restrictive immigration policy, people have more need of legal representation, as it’s become very complicated, and the risks of completing applications incorrectly are extremely high. Those most impacted are low income immigrants. WHEREAS, the City of Austin already funds legal services for low income immigrants who are Austin residents WHEREAS, there is a need for increased funding. Immigrants often work in the service industry and are being hard hit by the COVID-19 situation. To compound that, if they do not have work authorization, they are not eligible for unemployment, and if at least one person in the family does not have a social security number, the family is not eligible for the stimulus payment. This leaves immigrant families in a significantly worse situation than other Austin families at this time. Meanwhile, immigration rules continue to get more restrictive, so the need for legal representation increases. In fact, the President just tweeted that he would suspend all immigration, which puts immigrant families in Austin in dire need of representation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends that we add funding. With an additional $130,000, Catholic Charities can hire an attorney to represent people in removal proceedings pro bono. With an additional $100,000, American Gateways can continue to represent families already benefiting from city funds, and also double the number of new cases they can take. PASSED by the Commission on Immigrant Affairs on April 22, 2020. Unanimously approved by the Commission on Immigrant Affairs on an 10-0 vote with Glenn Rosales and Banafsheh Madaninejad absent. Attest: Staff Liaison
Joseph Ramirez-Hernandez Juan Vences-Benitez COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANTS AFFAIRS Wednesday, April 22, 2020 1:30PM VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING Approved Meeting Minutes Board Members in Attendance: Karen Crawford, Chair Krystal Gomez, Vice-Chair Samuel Adair Adrian De La Rosa Board Members not in Attendance: Banafsheh Madaninejad Rennison Lalgee Montserrat Garibay Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch Nicole Merritt Glenn Rosales Staff in Attendance: Connie H. Gonzales, Staff Liaison/APH Darrell Barnett, Manager/APH CALL TO ORDER at 1:35 pm 1. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 2020 Sam moved to approve the minutes with amendments Nicole seconded the motion Approved on 9-0 vote with Banafsheh, Glenn and Adrian not present. 2. OLD BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: A. Budget recommendations Mental Health Services for Immigrants: expand services to immigrants by requesting an increase in funding for Catholic Charities. (See recommendation No. 20200422-002A1) Immigrant Affairs Office: Expansion of the Immigrant affairs Office (See Recommendation No. 20200422-002A2) Legal Services Funding: expand services for immigrants by requesting an increase in funding for Catholic Charities. (See Recommendation No. 20200422-002A3) Nicole moved to create a resolution for PARD to establish a dual-language summer camp and CoIA board will provide guidance on procedures Adrian seconded the motion Approved on a 10-0 vote with Banafsheh and Glenn not present. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Board elections Bi-Lingual Summer Camp Resolution Introduce Rocio Villalobos of Immigrant Affairs Office. ADJOURNMENT Rennison moved to adjourn meeting at 1:30pm Sam seconded the motion Approved on 10-0 vote with Banafsheh and Glenn not present. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please contact Stephanie Hayden at the Austin Public Health at (512) 972-5017 or email: stephanie.hayden@austintexas.gov, for additional information. TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Monthly Meeting March 2, 2020 6:30 PM City Hall, Staff Bullpen #1029 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Agenda CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION 1. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February 2020 2. NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: presentation about services rendered and program needs 3. OLD BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: on budget proposals B. Update on Equity Office projects C. Discussion of N-648/Community Care issue 4. STANDING ITEMS: Discussion and Possible Action A. American Gateways, Rebecca Lightsey and Catholic Charities of Central Texas, Justin Estep A. Budget items - update on budget forums on February 13 and February 22 and discussion and vote A. Cities United for Action B. Joint Inclusion Committee 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS 6. TASKS FOR NEXT MEETING 7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 8. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please contact Stephanie Hayden at the Austin Public Health at (512) 972-5017 or email: stephanie.hayden@austintexas.gov, for additional information. TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Monthly Meeting March 2, 2020 6:30 PM City Hall, Staff Bullpen #1029 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Approved Meeting Minutes Rennison Lalgee Glenn Rosales Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch Joseph Ramirez-Hernandez Juan Vences-Benitez Board Members in Attendance: Karen Crawford, Chair Krystal Gomez, Vice-Chair Samuel Adair Adrian De La Rosa Board Members not in Attendance: Montserrat Garibay Nicole Merritt Staff in Attendance: Connie H. Gonzales, Staff Liaison/APH CITIZEN COMMUNICATION Krystal moved to suspend Robert’s Rule of Order Rennison seconded the motion 9-0 vote with Montserrat and Nicole not present 1. Rebecca Sanchez of Grassroots Leadership said their concern with the municipal ID is how much information will be released to Austin Police Department and what happens to the information. Who would have access to it? 2. Deborah Trejo shared concerns about lack of faithful implementation of and racism in bilingual education in Austin Independent School District (AISD), lack of bilingual programming in MACC or other camps; request that we form an education committee or have an appointee from AISD. 3. Lauren Hargraves of Central Texas Office for Refugees extended an invitation to commissioners to Refugee Roundtable, Austin Quarterly Consultation, Welcoming Week. Advised that the underserved population flyer has been distributed regarding asylee benefits. 4. Ivanna Neri of Austin Family Independence Initiative (FII) noted recommendation at budget forum, invitation to event on Thursday from 12p-4pm CALL TO ORDER at 6:34pm 1. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February 2020 Glenn moved to approve the minutes with amendments Krystal seconded the motion Approved on 9-0 vote with Montserrat and Nicole not present. 2. NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: A. American Gateways, Rebecca Lightsey and Catholic Charities of Central Texas, Justin Estep presentation about services rendered and program needs. Need to maintain the cases they started under prior year grants due to government delays, so if there’s no increase in funding, they would only be able to accept 1-2 new cases per week. With an increase in funding of $100,000 they can double the amount of new cases. Catholic Charities used the $70,000 in legal services funding from the city for an FTE immigration attorney and hope to get an additional $130,000 for a full-time attorney to handle removal proceedings for free. They also receive funding for mental health counseling. 3. OLD BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: A. Budget items …
Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Monthly Meeting February 3, 2020 6:30 PM City Hall, Staff Bullpen #1029 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Agenda CITIZEN COMMUNICATION 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 2019 3. NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: A. Refugee Health Screening Services update: Saeed Azadi, Public Health Division Manager, Communicable Diseases, Holly Eades, Refugee Clinic Manager B. September 2020 Meeting C. Dreamer’s Awareness Day and Proclamation 4. OLD BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: A. Budget items - update on planning of budget forums on February 13 and February 22 B. Update on Equity Office projects C. Discussion of N-648/Community Care issue 5. STANDING ITEMS: Discussion and Possible Action A. Cities United for Action B. Review of any updated APD statistics on U visas or ICE cooperation 6. ANNOUNCEMENTS 7. TASKS FOR NEXT MEETING 8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 9. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please contact Stephanie Hayden at the Austin Public Health at (512) 972-5017 or email: stephanie.hayden@austintexas.gov, for additional information. TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Monthly Meeting February 3, 2020 6:30 PM City Hall, Staff Bullpen #1029 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Agenda CITIZEN COMMUNICATION 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 2019 3. NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: A. Refugee Health Screening Services update: Saeed Azadi, Public Health Division Manager, Communicable Diseases, Holly Eades, Refugee Clinic Manager B. Briefing from Office of Police Oversight, Maya Guevara on the Analysis of APD’s Racial Profiling Data joint report released with the Office of Innovation and the Equity Office and announcement of the new Community Police Review Commission C. September 2020 Meeting D. Dreamer’s Awareness Day and Proclamation 4. OLD BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: A. Budget items - update on planning of budget forums on February 13 and February 22 B. Update on Equity Office projects C. Discussion of N-648/Community Care issue 5. STANDING ITEMS: Discussion and Possible Action A. Cities United for Action B. Review of any updated APD statistics on U visas or ICE cooperation 6. ANNOUNCEMENTS 7. TASKS FOR NEXT MEETING 8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 9. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please contact Stephanie Hayden at the Austin Public Health at (512) 972-5017 or email: stephanie.hayden@austintexas.gov, for additional information. TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Monthly Meeting February 3, 2020 6:30 PM City Hall, Staff Bullpen #1029 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Approved Meeting Minutes Rennison Lalgee Nicole Merritt Glenn Rosales Kate Lincoln- Goldfinch Joseph Ramirez-Hernandez Juan Vences-Benitez Board Members in Attendance: Karen Crawford, Chair Krystal Gomez, Vice-Chair Adrian De La Rosa Board Members not in Attendance: Samuel Adair Montserrat Garibay Staff in Attendance: Connie H. Gonzales, Staff Liaison/APH CITIZEN COMMUNICATION 1. CALL TO ORDER at 6:34pm 2. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 2020 Krystal moved to approve the minutes with amendments Glenn seconded the motion Approved on 8-0 vote with Samuel, Montserrat, and Kate, not present. 3. NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: A. Refugee Health Screening services update: Saeed Azadi, Public Health Division Manager, Communicable Diseases, Holly Eades, Refugee Clinic Manager. Presentation about services provided to refugees in Austin. Connect to healthcare and mental health systems, client receives Medicaid for 8 months Clients are seen within 30 days from arrival; receives Medicaid for 8 months; screened for communicable diseases, vaccinations given are Varicella, MMR, and influenza 100% grant funded – some general funds would help the programs stability B. Briefing from Office of Police Oversight, Maya Guevara on the Analysis of APD’s Racial Profiling Data joint report released with the Office of Innovation and the Equity Office and announcement of the new Community Police Review Commission. Report examines APD motor vehicle stop data from 2015-2018 Reveals that Black/African Americans are the most overrepresented group in motor vehicle stops C. September 2020 Meeting Nicole moved to meet on September 14th at A.K. Black Bldg. Seconded by Glenn Approved on 8-0 vote with Samuel, Montserrat, and Kate, not present. D. Dreamer’s Awareness Day and Proclamation Krystal moved to form a working group. Seconded by Nicole Approved on 8-0 vote with Samuel, Montserrat, and Kate, not present Working Group members are Juan, Joseph, and Krystal 4. OLD BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: A. Budget items - update on planning of budget forums on February 13 and February 22 1. Krystal and Nicole to attend on February 13, 2020 from 6-8:30pm at the AARC 2. Our budget forum is on February 22, 2020 from 2-4pm – Karen, Krystal and Nicole will attend 3. Retreat on the 29, 2020 to debrief about forums …
Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Monthly Meeting January 6, 2020 6:30 PM City Hall, Council Chambers 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Agenda CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION 1. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 2019 2. NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: A. Austin Police Department’s SAFE PLACE program: Assistant Chief Troy Guy, Sgt. Michael Crumrine, LGBT Liaison Christian Mendoza, Refugee & Immigrant Liaison Sadot Azzua 3. OLD BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: A. Budget items - update on participation with Quality of Life Commissions in budget forums, discussion and possible vote on holding a separate budget forum B. Update on Equity Office projects (immigrant affairs officer, municipal ID feasibility study); discussion and possible vote on these items C. Discussion of N-648/Community Care issue D. Discussion of Welcoming City Certification, possible formation of working group 4. STANDING ITEMS: Discussion and Possible Action A. Cities United for Action B. Review of any updated APD statistics on U visas or ICE cooperation 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS 6. TASKS FOR NEXT MEETING 7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 8. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please contact Stephanie Hayden at the Austin Public Health at (512) 972-5017 or email: stephanie.hayden@austintexas.gov, for additional information. TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Monthly Meeting January 6, 2020 6:30 PM City Hall, Staff Bullpen #2079 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Approved Meeting Minutes Kate Lincoln- Goldfinch Rennison Lalgee Nicole Merritt Glenn Rosales Joseph Ramirez-Hernandez Juan Vences-Benitez Board Members in Attendance: Karen Crawford, Chair Krystal Gomez, Vice-Chair Adrian De La Rosa Montserrat Garibay Board Members not in Attendance: Sam Adair Staff in Attendance: Connie H. Gonzales, Staff Liaison/APH CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION 1. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 2019 Glen motioned to approve the minutes Kate seconded the motion Approved on 10-0 vote with Samuel not present. 2. NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: Montserrat motioned to merge agenda items 2A. & 4B. Adrian seconded the motion Approved on 10-0 vote with Samuel not present A. Austin Police Department’s SAFE PLACE program: Assistant Chief Troy Gay, Sgt. Michael Grumrine, LGBT Liaison Christian Mendoza, Refugee & Immigrant Liaison Sadot Azzua update on program and processing procedures • APD staff: Lt. Christine Chomout, Victims Services Mgr. Kachina Clark, and Sadot Azzua presented update on UVisa applications • Drop in number of UVisa applications submitted • Why? APD assumes that applications are more detailed and time consuming • Reasons for denial for refusal to cooperate can include: no call back, no answer at home • Outreach efforts include PSA’s, pamphlets, monthly visit to Mexican consulate by Immigrant Liaison -Sadot Azzua and other bi-lingual staff • We requested disaggregated and date. This is our second request. • SAFE PLACE program presentation. Christian shared the goal to increase public trust in law enforcement and felling of safety in the LGBTQ community. Created in 2015 by the Seattle PD to address low reporting of anti-LGBTQ+ crimes. 2019: Austin PD became the first police agency in Texas to implement the program. Approximately 100 local businesses will be participating. 3. OLD BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: A. Budget items - update on participation with Quality of Life Commissions in budget forums, discussion and possible vote on holding a separate budget forum 1. We are partnering with the Asian American Quality of Life commission on their budget forum on February 13, 2020 from 6-8:30pm at the AARC 2. Working group: Karen, Krystal, Nicole, and Sam Discussion of having our own forum, targeting agencies that serve immigrants and refugees Nicole motioned to have a separate budget forum …
