Recommendation Number: 2025032901: Development of the Immigrant Affairs Office — original pdf

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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 2025032901: Development of the Immigrant Affairs Office WHEREAS, the City of Austin values inclusivity and recognizes the immense economic, social, and cultural contributions that people of all national origins and immigration statuses have made to this country1; and WHEREAS, the City Council declared Austin a Welcoming City through Resolution No. 20140320-049 to demonstrate that the City strives to include and support immigrants in all aspects of our city; and WHEREAS, we continue to hear appreciation for the creation of the Immigrant Affairs position, along with recognition that the scope of work required is too vast for one person to manage alone; and WHEREAS, the development of an Immigrant Affairs Office would 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 WHEREAS, 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; and WHEREAS, ensuring immigrant inclusivity will build stronger educated communities that can contribute to economic growth, creative potential, and innovation throughout Austin and its society; and WHEREAS, in Austin, more than 18% of the population are foreign-born2; and WHEREAS, Austin’s immigrant population comes from over 120 different countries3; and WHEREAS, according to City data at iSpeak Austin, more than 85 languages are spoken throughout the City, 31% of Austinites speak a language other than English at home and 11.4% of Austinites speak English “less than very well”4; and WHEREAS, According to “Advancing Immigrant Incorporation in Austin, TX,” a report on the state of immigrant affairs at the City states that Austin has made consistent improvements and has scored highly in areas such as Government Leadership, Community Collaboration, and Legal Support; the same report also highlights areas where the City falls short in achieving a “Government That Works for All,” identifying key gaps in Civic Participation, Livability, and Job Opportunities5; and WHEREAS, research indicates that immigrant integration policies lead to favorable outcomes for both native and foreign-born residents of a city5; and 1 CITY OF AUSTIN 2025 Federal Legislative Agenda 119th Congress 2 https://www.census.gov 3 Austin Population Change and Demographic Trends 4 iSpeak Austin | AustinTexas.gov 5 Advancing Immigrant Incorporation in Austin, TX Report WHEREAS, the report “Advancing Immigrant Incorporation in Austin, TX.” by the LBJ School of the University of Texas at Austin found that an Immigrant Affairs Office is necessary and recommended5; and 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; and 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. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the development of an Immigrant Affairs Office with adequate staffing to serve as a centralized unit in order to coordinate services and support for our immigrant communities who are vulnerable to experiencing discrimination, marginalization, hate crimes, and/or persecution. The Commission recommends the role of the office encompass the following: 1. Advise, aid, and collaborate with City leadership and departments with policies and procedures that better address the needs of immigrant communities. 2. Monitor, gather, and analyze data to evaluate service delivery, create strategic decisions, and identify areas, including but not limited to health, education, human services, for investment to improve quality-of-life outcomes for immigrant communities. 3. Track federal, state, and local laws affecting immigrants that influence policy and regulatory frameworks. 4. Support and champion the full participation of immigrant communities in the City’s civic landscape, with a focus on pathways to leadership, including but not limited to serving on boards and commissions, participating in public forums, and pursuing citizenship for those eligible to apply. 5. Connect training and education opportunities that advance economic mobility, support local business initiatives, and contribute to overall community resilience. immigrant communities with workforce development, 6. Provide guidance, resources, and technical assistance to City departments and community organizations serving immigrant communities. THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Commission Immigrant Affairs recommends 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. Date of Approval: ___3/15/2025_________ Record of the vote: Unanimous at (7-0) vote Commissioners Present: Melissa Ortega, Chair Miriam Dorantes, Vice Chair Adrian De La Rosa Azeem Edwin Aditi Joshi Jeanne Canan Kaba Yohana Saucedo Attest: _______Gunjen Mittal__________ (Staff or board member can sign)