REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2026, AT 6:30 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2nd ST AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs may be participating by videoconference. 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, contact Nekaybaw Watson, 512-974-2562, nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS : Miriam Dorantes, Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Diane Kanawati Melissa Ortega Caroline Solis AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Alondra Johnson, Vice-Chair Azeem Edwin Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch Meghna Roy Yohana Saucedo The first ten speakers signed up prior 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs regular meeting on February 2, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Quality-of-Life Study Working Group regarding progress with the Institutional Review Board, data collectors, and study practices. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a Recommendation to Council to expand and strengthen eviction prevention programs to protect housing stability. 4. Approve a Recommendation to Council to establish a dedicated funding framework for a universal immigration representation model. 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council to prioritize filling the Immigrant Affairs Manager position to strengthen city coordination and leadership. 6. Approve a Recommendation to Council to fund comprehensive equity and inclusion trainings across city departments. 7. Approve a Recommendation to Council to re-instate and fund the Family Stabilization Grant. 8. Approve a Recommendation to Council to maintain and increase funding support for American Gateways’ Immigrant Legal Services to ensure ongoing community access to representation. 9. Approve a statement of concern regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. …
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026 The Commission on Immigrant Affairs convened in a regular meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Dorantes called the meeting to order at 6:38pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Miriam Dorantes, Chair Azeem Edwin Diane Kanawati Caroline Solis Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Adrian De La Rosa Canan Kaba Meghna Roy Commissioners Absent: Alondra Johnson, Vice Chair Aditi Joshi Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch Melissa Ortega Yohana Saucedo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ana Maria Rea - Mama Sana Vibrant Woman Alicia Torres - Policy Package 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Meeting on January 5, 2025. The minutes of the January 5, 2026, regular meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was approved during the February 2, 2026, regular meeting on Commissioner Kanawati’s motion, Commissioner Edwin’s second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Johnson, and Commissioners Joshi, Lincoln-Goldfinch, Ortega, and Saucedo were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by American Gateways regarding successes with the City of Austin and its request for the prioritization of immigration funding in the FY 26-27 budget. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. The presentation was given by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. 3. Discussion of a community concern around interactions between Austin Police with U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement. Discussed. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Budget Working Group regarding areas of support and deadlines for the submission of budget recommendations. Update was provided by Chair Dorantes and Commissioner Kanawati. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a list of budget priorities for each commissioner’s district. Withdrawn. 6. Approve the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ alternative representative for the Joint Inclusion Committee. The motion to approve Commissioner Edwin as the Joint Inclusion Committee alternate for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was approved on Commissioner Edwin’s motion, Commissioner Kanawati’s second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Johnson and Commissioners Joshi, Lincoln-Goldfinch, Ortega, and Saucedo were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Approve budget recommendations for FY 27 Budget. Approve a draft statement about board concerns for Immigration and Custom Enforcement. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned without objection at 8:04 on Chair Dorantes’ motion. 2
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260302- 003: Strategies to Slow Residential Evictions and Protect Immigrant Households WHEREAS, Recent local housing data shows eviction filings have climbed to levels not seen in several years, signaling ongoing instability in the rental market. While Austin’s economy has grown, rent burdens remain high, wages for many service and construction workers have not kept pace with housing costs, and affordable units remain limited. WHEREAS, Immigrant households face heightened vulnerability to eviction due to: • Concentration in low-wage and contract labor sectors • Fear of interacting with legal systems due to immigration status concerns • Language barriers limiting understanding of court processes • Mixed-status households avoiding public programs due to perceived immigration consequences • Higher likelihood of informal lease arrangements that limit legal protections WHEREAS, Evictions are not isolated housing events, they trigger cascading impacts on employment stability, school continuity, mental health, and long-term housing access. For immigrant workers, housing displacement often leads to job loss, wage theft exposure, and deeper economic precarity. WHEREAS, Slowing eviction proceedings, particularly through mediation, diversion, rental assistance linkage, and language access, allows families time to stabilize while reducing long-term public costs associated with homelessness, emergency shelter, and crisis response. WHEREAS, The Commission finds that proactive eviction prevention aligns with the City’s equity commitments and immigrant inclusion priorities and urges Council to act urgently to prevent avoidable displacement and family destabilization. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends that the Austin City Council take immediate action to slow the pace of residential evictions in the City of Austin and strengthen stabilization measures for immigrant and mixed-status households amid significantly rising eviction filings in Travis County. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the City Council to: . • Direct the City Manager to evaluate lawful mechanisms to extend eviction timelines, including pre-filing mediation requirements, enhanced notice periods, and eviction diversion coordination. •Council should direct the HACA Board to develop a plan now to support potentially impacted households and consult with the City’s Immigration Officer and the Commission on Immigrant Affairs. • Expand funding for emergency rental assistance, right-to-counsel programs, and eviction defense services, with culturally responsive outreach to immigrant and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) households. • Require strengthened language access standards for eviction notices, rental assistance applications, and tenant education materials. • Partner with Travis County courts to formalize …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260302-004 : Establish a Dedicated Funding Framework for a Universal Immigration Representation Model. WHEREAS, Austin, like the rest of the United States, has seen increased immigration enforcement in the community. Our neighbors are being detained at record levels, and the federal government has cut funding that previously supported pro se immigration legal assistance. Noncitizens are being detained at routine immigration court hearings and US Citizenship and Immigration Services interviews at never-before seen levels. WHEREAS, In South Central Texas, ICE arrested nearly 12,000 people during the first nine months of the Trump Administration—nearly double from the previous year. This includes all of ICE San Antonio field office’s jurisdiction (Austin and others) but is illustrative of the overall effect of the increased enforcement policies. WHEREAS, One in three children in Austin has at least one immigrant parent. Eighty-seven percent of those children are United States citizens. Therefore, the risk of permanent family separation is high. WHEREAS, Further, immigrant-led households in Austin earned $234.3 billion in 2023 and contributed $19.3 billion in combined state and local taxes. The financial impact of these policies are detrimental to the City of Austin. WHEREAS, The decrease in federal funding has resulted in immigration legal services budgets to be slashed or fully cut. This has resulted in layoffs at local immigration nonprofits and attorneys withdrawing their representation. Noncitizens are struggling to find legal assistance and are often turning to notarios who are engaging in unlicensed practice of law, damaging people’s chances of being granted immigration status. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends increasing funding for immigration legal assistance to expand deportation defense. Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Seconded By: . Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260302-005 : Development of the Immigration Affairs Office WHEREAS, Ensuring immigrant inclusivity will build stronger educated communities that can contribute to economic growth, creative potential, and innovation throughout Austin and its society. WHEREAS, The City of Austin is committed to continuous improvement and inclusivity, and the development of an Immigrant Affairs Office would enhance the quality-of-life for all Austinites, ensuring that we remain equal to or superior to other cities that have already established similar offices. WHEREAS, The Commission on Immigrant Affairs has consistently recommended the development and/or expansion of an Immigrant Affairs Office over the years—Recommendation Number: 20190429- 5AI, Recommendation Number: 20200422-002A2, Recommendation Number: 20210301‐2b Recommendation Number: 20220307-2d—recognizing that one person is insufficiently supported in handling all the responsibilities and demands placed on them. WHEREAS, The following roles as essential to the Immigrant Affairs Office: • Immigrant Affairs Officer: leads strategy and sets direction for the Office, develops policies, and elevates immigrant affairs as a priority for the City. • Immigrant Affairs Program Manager: oversees programs and partnerships with City departments and community organizations focused on key areas like Civic Engagement, Naturalization / Citizenship, Economic Mobility, Employment Authorization Assistance, and Adult Education. • Community Engagement Coordinator (Immigrant Affairs): facilitates communication and collaboration between the City, immigrant leaders, and community organizations. Coordinates outreach efforts with immigrant communities and community partners and provides follow-up to connect people to social services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the development of an Immigrant Affairs Office with adequate staffing to serve as a centralized unit to coordinate services and support for our immigrant communities who are vulnerable to experiencing discrimination, marginalization, hate crimes, and/or persecution. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends Austin Equity and inclusion fill the vacant Immigrant Affairs Manager position; develop an Immigrant Affairs Office to ensure that the needs of Austin's immigrant community are recognized, supported, and effectively addressed, which would allow for stronger community engagement, more responsive services, as well as better coordination across city departments to close existing gaps; and develop a comprehensive budget plan focused on expanding staff, services, and infrastructures will promote the immigrant community’s economic mobility, human services (health care/food/legal services), education, and civic participation. Seconded By: Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260302-006 : Fund Equity and Inclusion Training WHEREAS, The City of Austin continues to see an increase in reported hate crimes and hate incidents year to year since 2021. WHEREAS, Dismantling hate and bias in our community requires a collective effort and meaningful collaboration between the city, its staff, and residents. WHEREAS, An addition of Bystander Intervention training would empower staff and community members with the skills to safely intervene and respond to instances of hate-driven discrimination or violence. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends adequate funding be allocated to Anti-hate campaigns and programs, creating a centralized hub where both staff and citizens can easily access information on reporting hate-based incidents, current program offerings, and available public training. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends Austin Equity and Inclusion to expand outreach efforts to engage a broader and more diverse audience. We urge the city council to invest in the expansion of Undoing Racism training for the general public, and to ensure that both city staff and community members have access to Bystander Intervention training. These efforts are critical to fostering a safer, more inclusive, and better-informed community. Seconded By: Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________ .
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260302-007 : Reinstate funding for the Family Stabilization Grant WHEREAS, It can be very difficult for cities like Austin to meet their residents’ needs through subsidized house programs, as federal housing programs have limited reach and limited funding; and WHEREAS, Affordability continues to be one of the most common issues expressed by residents. The Family Stabilization Program offers more flexible access to housing support, accords more choice and dignity, reduces discrimination, and offers more efficient and cost-effective housing; WHEREAS, According to findings from the Urban Institute’s report titled Evaluation of the Austin Guaranteed Income Pilot, participants reported spending, on average, more than 50% of their pilot cash to cover housing costs, and the average share participants spent on housing was more than twice as much spending in any other category. WHEREAS, Improved housing security allowed participants to also focus on other goals, including financial investing, skills building, expanding their professional networks, and pursuing additional education; and for recipients, overall, median household incomes increased over time. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends ongoing funding of the Family Stabilization Program $3 million for FY26-27 as part of the City’s base budget. Seconded By: Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: . Attest: _____________________________________________
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260302-008: Maintain Funding to Support American Gateways’ Immigrant Legal Services WHEREAS, Austin, like the rest of the United States, has seen increased immigration enforcement in the community. Our neighbors are being detained at record levels, and the federal government has cut funding that previously supported pro se immigration legal assistance. Noncitizens are being detained at routine immigration court hearings and US Citizenship and Immigration Services interviews at never-before seen levels. WHEREAS, In South Central Texas, ICE arrested nearly 12,000 people during the first nine months of the Trump Administration—nearly double from the previous year. This includes all of ICE San Antonio field office’s jurisdiction (Austin and others) but is illustrative of the overall effect of the increased enforcement policies. WHEREAS, One in three children in Austin has at least one immigrant parent. Eighty-seven percent of those children are United States citizens. Therefore, the risk of permanent family separation is high. WHEREAS, Further, immigrant-led households in Austin earned $234.3 billion in 2023 and contributed $19.3 billion in combined state and local taxes. The financial impact of these policies are detrimental to the City of Austin. WHEREAS, The decrease in federal funding has resulted in immigration legal services budgets to be slashed or fully cut. This has resulted in layoffs at local immigration nonprofits and attorneys withdrawing their representation. Noncitizens are struggling to find legal assistance and are often turning to notarios who are engaging in unlicensed practice of law, damaging people’s chances of being granted immigration status. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends maintaining the current funding for American Gateways’ Immigration Legal Services. Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Seconded By: . Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Concerns DRAFT STATEMENT The Immigrant Affairs Commission of the City of Austin unequivocally condemns the recent actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE in this city, state, and country. Austin is a city that allegedly prides itself on being rooted in community. The City Charter itself reflects these values, declaring: “We the citizens of Austin, in reverence to the dignity and the enrichment of all people, do ordain and establish this Charter to assure economic, environmental, and cultural prosperity throughout our community.” Yet the continued presence and aggressive tactics of ICE in our city stand in direct conflict with Austin’s stated values. Such actions do not enrich all people, nor do they assure prosperity throughout our community. Instead, ICE’s approach to immigration enforcement has fostered fear in neighborhoods, separated families, and discouraged immigrant residents from accessing housing, schools, healthcare, and public safety services. When people are afraid to report crimes, seek medical care, or send their children to school, the entire community becomes less safe. Texas as a whole is home to the second-largest immigrant population in the United States, with approximately 5.1 million foreign-born residents. These numbers reflect a fundamental truth: immigrants are not outsiders to our community. They are our neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and family members. Austin should be a place where everyone, regardless of immigration status, can live with dignity. Everyone in this city should be able to trust local institutions. Achieving that vision requires drawing a clear line between local government and federal immigration enforcement. Texas calls itself the state of friendship, yet hostility toward immigrant communities does not reflect that ideal. We call on city leaders to limit cooperation with ICE, strengthen sanctuary policies, and reaffirm that in Austin, belonging is not conditioned upon paperwork. But, upon our shared humanity.
