Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs

Agenda — original pdf

1. 2. REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS FEBRURARY 5, 2024 AT 6:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL 301 WEST 2ND STREET ROOM 1101 AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Gunjen Mittal, 512- 972-6104, gunjen.mittal@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Melissa Ortega, Chair Victor Martinez, Vice Chair Virginia Badillo Jose Caceres Adrian De La Rosa Rennison Lalgee Fang Fang Anjum Malik Aditi Joshi Adnan Suleiman CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING on 8/7/2023. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING on 11/6/2023. Font Size: 12; Font: Times New Roman; Font Style: Regular 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. STAFF BRIEFINGS Overview of Certified Welcoming, the application process, and our current status with respect to that work: Presentation by Rocio Villalobos. 3. DISCUSSION ITEMS Introduction and welcome of new Commissioners. Presentation by American Gateways regarding updates on their work in the community. Presentation by Commissioner Muneeb Aslam from Human Rights Commission regarding their recommendation to City Council on a Cease Fire Resolution. Review and discuss the scope and membership updates of the Budget and the Quality of Life Study working groups. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION Discussion and possible action on approval of recommendation on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and promoting a peaceful resolution for all. Discussion and possible action on planning the Commission’s retreat and confirm dates in the upcoming months. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES Update from BUDGET WORKING GROUP regarding budget recommendations for FY25 (Commissioners Melissa Ortega and Adnan Suleiman). Update recommendations (Commissioner Victor Martinez). from QUALITY OF LIFE STUDY WORKING GROUP regarding FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to …

Recommendation Backup — original pdf

COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS RECOMMENDATION 20240205-007 Resolution on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and promoting a peaceful resolution for all. Date: Subject: February 5, 2024 Recommendation on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and promoting a peaceful resolution for all. Seconded By: Commissioner Motioned by: Commissioner ---- RECOMMENDATION: In response to the ongoing Gaza Crisis and subsequent rise in hate-related incidents, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends that City Council directs City staff to execute a coordinated public awareness campaign combating antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab sentiment; for the Austin Police Department to develop a comprehensive coordinated response to victims of violence stemming from rhetoric of the Gaza Crisis; and calls on City Council to express support for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. DESCRIPTION OF RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: WHEREAS, the City of Austin is dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity, racial equity, and upholds the principles of equality and human rights; WHEREAS, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was created Ordinance No. 20171214-043 to advise the city council on issues of common concern to immigrants, particularly in the areas of health and human services, education, and the demographic makeup of the Austin immigrant community; WHEREAS, the attack on October 7th by Hamas has led to the tragic loss of Israeli civilians and the subsequent indiscriminate retaliation by the State of Israel has led to the continued loss of civilian lives in Gaza; WHEREAS, rhetoric as a result of the global conflict has led to incidents of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments rising within our city, posing a significant threat to the well-being and safety of our diverse communities; 1 of 3