Item 8: Draft Recommendation — original pdf

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ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-08 Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget related to Austin Public Health Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Immigrant Legal Services Motioned by: Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair) Description Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services Seconded By: The Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission (AAQoL) strongly recommends continued funding for the Austin Public Health (APH) Immigrant Legal Services, Pro Se services, and Citizenship Clinics programs in the FY 2025-26 budget. This program plays a critical role in supporting the well-being of Austin's immigrant population. This need is particularly needed at a time when regional and national policies continue to further reduce services for immigrants. Additionally, immigrant rights are being stripped due to frequent recent changes in immigration policies and inaccessible services. APH Immigrant Legal Services currently has several contracts in place for American Gateways, Catholic Charities, and RAICES. Many of these contracts are coming to an end. The closure of Refugee Services of Texas has further reduced options for legal immigration assistance available in the community for refugees, many of whom are from Asian and Middle Eastern countries. We strongly recommend continued funding for the APH Immigrant Legal Services program at a level that allows it to meet the growing needs of Austin's immigrant population. Contractors for this program provide critical legal assistance to immigrants in Austin. The program helps immigrants navigate the complex legal system, with a focus on areas like citizenship, deportation defense, and access to public benefits. Recommendation Continued ongoing funding of all current contracts along with an expansion for Pro Se services is recommended.  Pro Se services provide immigrants with legal advice, help with paperwork, and coaching through the legal system. Although it stops short of full legal representation, these services are the most necessary to help immigrants navigate the immigration process since hearings and court dates may take years to schedule in the judicial system. Department Austin Public Health (APH) Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Government that works for all; Equity of City programs and resource allocation; Safety: Fair administration of justice Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: