Item 14: Travis County Commissioners Court Appointment Letter — original pdf

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Dear Travis County Commissioners Court and County Judge, I am writing to you today in my capacity as [Commissioner/member of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs] to respectfully urge your support in filling the Travis County appointment seat, which has been vacant for over two years. On behalf of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for the Court's previous actions, particularly your resolution calling for the constitutional and humane treatment of immigrants in the custody of U.S. law enforcement agencies, as well as your commitment to the Constitution, due process, and the protection of habeas corpus. This resolution holds profound significance for our immigrant community, especially in the current moment, and we deeply appreciate your continued leadership in advocating for justice. The Commission on Immigrant Affairs highly values the Travis County seat. However, the prolonged vacancy in this position has created substantial challenges in our ability to meet and perform our duties. In 2024, the Commission was unable to convene for six consecutive months due to the lack of sufficient members, with just one member short of the quorum required after the addition of the Travis County appointment. This absence has at times, hindered our capacity to serve the immigrant population in Austin. The immigrant community in our city is facing an increasingly hostile political climate, both at the state and federal levels. With policies that disproportionately target immigrants and refugees, it is more critical than ever that the Commission operates at full capacity. The need for a full Commission is urgent to ensure that we can effectively advocate for and support this vulnerable population. Therefore, we respectfully ask the Court to fill the Travis County vacancy as soon as possible, at the latest, to start the process by August 31. The immigrant community in Austin relies on the Commission’s work to protect their rights, ensure their voices are heard, and address the unique challenges they face. Thank you for your time and your continued leadership. We remain grateful for your dedication to our shared values of justice, fairness, and compassion. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Position] [Your Contact Information]