1. 2. 3. REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS SEPTEMBER 6th, 2022 6:30PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, RM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE 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, call or email Sarah Williams, 512-972-5123, Sarah.Williams@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Juan Vences-Benitez, Chair Krystal Gomez, Vice-Chair Sara Becker Karen Crawford Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Rennison Lalgee Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Nicole Merritt Joseph Ramirez-Hernandez The first 10 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 Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Meeting on August 1st, 2022. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Meeting on August 10th, 2022. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of COA FY 2022-2023 Budget and Updates on Commission on Immigrant Affairs Budget Recommendations Font Size: 12; Font: Times New Roman; Font Style: Regular DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion of FY 2022-2023 Goals for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Approve the creation of FY 2022-2023 Working Groups Discussion of Joint Inclusion Committee and possible action on COIA representative 4. 5. 6. STAFF BRIEFINGS 7. Staff briefing from Jeremy Garza with the Equity Office regarding funding for Quality of Life study for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Sarah Williams at Austin Public Health Department, at 512-972-5123 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, please contact Sarah Williams at 512-972-5123. Font Size: 12; Font: Times New Roman; Font Style: Regular
Special Called Meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs August 10th, 2022 6:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND STREET 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, call or email Sarah Williams, 512-972-5123, sarah.williams@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Juan Vences-Benitez, Chair Krystal Gomez, Vice-Chair Sara Becker Karen Crawford Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Rennison Lalgee Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Nicole Merritt Joseph Ramirez-Hernandez The first 10 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. 1. Discussion on enhanced library card budget amendment and suggestions on edits. DISCUSSION ITEMS DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion on enhanced library card budget recommendation to Council and possible vote on the recommendation. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Sarah Williams at the Austin Public Health Department, at 512-972-5123 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, please contact Sarah Williams at 512-972-5123.
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS RECOMMENDATION 20220810-2 Seconded By: Karen Crawford Date: 08/10/2022 Subject: Establish an Enhanced Library Card program Motioned By: Aditi Joshi Recommendation Establish an Enhanced Library Card program to be administered by the City of Austin Library Department. Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that Austin City Council directs the City Manager to establish an Enhanced Library Card program to be administered by the City of Austin Library Department. When developing the Enhanced Library Card program, we further recommend consultation with the appropriate community stakeholders to: ● information theft; ● ● ● Allow a lengthy validity period for the Enhanced Library Card; Provide for training of library staff to administer the program; Identify a wide variety of documents that can be accepted when applying for an Enhanced Library Card to provide proof of identity and residence; Ensure the recognition of the Enhanced Library Card as a form of identification by all city officials and departments, especially Austin Police Department, Austin Energy and Austin Water; and Identify features to make the card attractive to all City of Austin residents, including discounts for entries to museums, and other city amenities. Protect the privacy of individuals who obtain an Enhanced Library Card, and prevent fraud and ● ● Rationale: Lack of government-issued identification can negatively impact the quality of life for Austin residents, and often disproportionately affects vulnerable populations within our city.1 People experiencing homelessness, formerly incarcerated individuals, and undocumented immigrants often do not have the paperwork required to obtain a state-issued photo ID. IDs are often required for housing, education, healthcare, banking, and may deter residents from reporting crimes. LGBTQ advocacy organizations have supported municipal-issued identification as a means of providing government-issued identification 1 of 3 without gender classifications, as transgender people may not go by the name, resemble the photo, or identify with the gender marker printed on their photo ID.2 Due to the sensitive nature of the personal information required to obtain an Enhanced Library Card, consideration should be taken to ensure that the privacy of our residents is paramount. This would require time for thorough validation and training, as well as safeguards to prevent the targeting of any communities who might benefit from this form of ID. Features to make this Enhanced Library Card attractive to all residents, such as discounts to museums or park passes, might encourage more widespread adoption of this card, and prevent stigmatization …
1. 2. 3. REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS August 1st, 2002 6:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: https://austintexas.webex.com/austintexas/onstage/g.php?MTID=e9f6dd3715151d79ac275ec16b5ef3d8d 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 Friday before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Sarah Williams, 512-972-5123, Sarah.Williams@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Juan Vences-Benitez, Chair Krystal Gomez, Vice-Chair Sara Becker Karen Crawford Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Rennison Lalgee Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Nicole Merritt Joseph Ramirez-Hernandez The first 10 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 Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Meeting on June 6th, 2022. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion on Commissioner Glenn Rosales’ passing Discussion of FY 2022-2023 Budget and recommendations made by the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Discussion and updates on Enhanced Library Cards 2022-2023 Goals Discussion for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs 4. 5. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Discussion and possible action on Joint Inclusion Committee representative for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Sarah Williams at Austin Public Health Department, at 512-972-5123 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, please contact Sarah Williams at 512-972-5123.
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MONDAY, June 6th, 2022 6:30 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register, please contact Sarah Williams at sarah.williams@austintexas.gov or 512-972-5123. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Juan Vences-Benitez, Chair Krystal Gomez, Vice-Chair Sara Becker Karen Crawford Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Rennison Lalgee Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch AGENDA Nicole Merritt Joseph Ramirez-Hernandez Glenn Rosales Karen Reyes CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 4, 2022; May 2, 2022 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Lucio Del Toro, Travis County Attorney’s Office, briefing and discussion on U-Visa certification process b. Updates from Rocio Villalobos on her work with the Equity Office c. Commission on Immigrant Affairs 2022 Annual Report 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Budget updates – Karen i. Joint Inclusion Committee Report b. Joint Inclusion Committee meeting updates – Karen c. Report back from ISNA and the RST quarterly consultations – Juan and Rennison ANNOUNCEMENTS APD Office of Police Oversight Town Hall on Public Safety, focusing on the experiences of people living with disabilities with law enforcement. June 25, 2022, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., virtually or in-person. Project Connect Anti-Displacement work led by the Housing and Planning Department - City of Austin announced $20 million is available for Community Initiated Solutions to address transit-induced displacement related to Project Connect. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS July Meeting: process o Lieutenant Chamout discussion on APD’s internal U-Visa review panel o Conversation with Rocio Villalobos on the Immigrant Affairs Office o 2023 Goals Discussion ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) …
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, June 6th, 2022 6:30PM Boards Members in Attendance: Meeting Minutes Juan Vences‐Benitez, Chair Adrian De La Rosa Kate Lincoln‐Goldfinch Krystal Gomez, Vice‐Chair Aditi Joshi Karen Crawford Rennison Lalgee Board Members not in Attendance: Sara Becker Nicole Merritt Joseph Ramirez‐Hernandez Karen Reyes Glenn Rosales Sarah Williams, Acting Staff Liaison, Administrative Sr for the Health Equity Unit, Austin Public Health Staff in Attendance: CALL TO ORDER Chair Juan Vences-Benitez called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:44 p.m. 1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 4, 2022; May 2, 2022 a) The minutes from the meeting of 4/4/2022 were approved on Commissioner Karen’s motion, Commissioner Krystal seconded, all in favor. b) The minutes from the meeting of 5/2/2022 were approved with edits on Commissioner Aditi’s motion, Commissioner Krystal seconded, all in favor. 2) NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: a) Lucio Del Toro, First Assistant at the Travis County Attorney’s Office, briefing and discussion on U-Visa certification process i) Delia Garza has been in office as the County Attorney for about a year and a half. They handle only misdemeanors, criminal prosecutions, and represent the County in civil matters. They are one of the largest law firms in the city. Lucio Del Toro is directly over the criminal division. ii) There is not a formal written policy for the U-Visa process, they are handled on a case-by- case basis. Most people applying for U-Visas are victims of domestic violence. Lucio has been working on modernizing the process and increasing efficiency. iii) Lucio reviews all U-Visa applications. They do not look to disqualify anyone because by- and-large, they should qualify. The biggest delay is communication between their office and the lawyers, as the lawyers are often not very familiar with this specific process. The application is incredibly important and must be filled out correctly to verify they meet the basic requirements. iv) They have been getting consultations and feedback on their process from American Gateway and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. They have not created a formal policy because they have more flexibility without one. Formal policy can actually hurt the people during the process because it does not account for their individual circumstances. Stricter policy means there are more reasons to disqualify someone. v) There has not been a tracking system for the process or data collection in the past for the office. They are one …
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MONDAY, May 2nd, 2022 6:30 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register, please contact Sarah Williams at sarah.williams@austintexas.gov or 512-972-5123. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Juan Vences-Benitez, Chair Krystal Gomez, Vice-Chair Sara Becker Karen Crawford Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Rennison Lalgee Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch AGENDA Nicole Merritt Joseph Ramirez-Hernandez Glenn Rosales Karen Reyes CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 4, 2022 2. NEW BUSINESS a. U Visa Process at the Travis County Commissioner’s b. Annual report for the Commission a. Budget updates - Karen b. Joint Inclusion Committee meeting updates – Karen 3. OLD BUSINESS c. Report back from ISNA and the RST quarterly consultations – Juan and Rennison d. Updates on the Enhanced Library Card f. Follow up on invitation to tour 911 call center e. Quality of Life Working Group Updates – Juan, Karen, Aditi FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ANNOUNCEMENTS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Sarah Williams at the Austin Public Health Department, at 512-972-5123, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, please contact Sarah Williams at 512-972-5123.
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING Monday, May 2, 2022 6:30PM Meeting Minutes Nicole E Merritt Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Sara Becker Boards Members in Attendance: Juan Vences-Benitez, Chair Krystal M Gomez, Vice Chair Karen J Crawford Joseph E Ramirez-Hernandez Rennison Lalgee Board Members not in Attendance: Glenn M Rosales Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch Karen Reyes Staff in Attendance: CALL TO ORDER Sarah Williams, Acting Staff Liaison, Administrative Sr for the Health Equity Unit, Austin Public Health Chair Juan Vences-Benitez called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:39 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No speakers registered 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 4, 2022 a. Motion to postpone by Aditi, seconded by Karen Crawford. All in favor, postponed to 2. NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: June meeting a. U Visa Process i. Krystal and Karen Crawford met with the District Attorney to discuss how their office is overhauling their U Visa Process policies. They are trying to standardize best practice. ii. Kate and Karen met with Lt. Chomout about APD’s role in the U Visa process. They confirmed that they will not certify Class C’s because they do not investigate them. They will refer them to help. Also discussed the U Visa Review Panel. There was a change in policy within APD which created this Committee and made it impossible to review or re-consider decisions made in U Visa process. APD was hesitant to create review process because they lacked staff. COIA created a volunteer group to help them with these reviews for the last few years. APD confirmed in this meeting that they will be taking over this process and are currently working out details. 1. Karen will forward summary notes from the meeting. 2. Will ask APD to give a briefing at a future meeting about their updates to the U Visa process. iii. Received a request from a local attorney to talk to the Travis County Attorney’s office because they have had applications pending for over a year. There are children aging out because of the long wait times and they cannot get any response from the office. 1. Commission can ask if they will come to a future meeting for a briefing on the current process and wait times. 2. Vice-Chair Krystal will email Lucio Del Toro to ask for clarification as to why the wait times are so high. 3. Karen will reach out to …
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2022 6:30 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Krystal Gomez, Chair Nicole Merritt, Vice Chair Sara Becker Karen Crawford Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Rennison Lalgee Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch Joseph Ramirez-Hernandez Glenn Rosales Juan Vences-Benitez AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February 7, 2022; March 7, 2022 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Updates from Rocio Villalobos on her work with the Equity Office b. Emi Johnson, Austin Public Library, updates on initiatives at the library c. Max Horstman and Mandy DeMayo, City of Austin Housing and Planning Department, briefing and discussion on upcoming spending priorities for federal housing and community development grants as part of the Community Needs Assessment for the FY 22-23 Action Plan d. Annual Officer Elections e. Quality of Life exploration a. Budget updates - Karen b. Report back from ISNA and the RST quarterly consultations – Juan and Rennison c. Joint Inclusion Committee meeting updates – Karen 3. OLD BUSINESS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Sinying Chan at Austin Public Health Department, at 512-972-5117, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, please contact Sinying Chan at 512-972-5117.
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MONDAY, April 4, 2022 6:30 PM Meeting Minutes Aditi Joshi Rennison Lalgee Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch Joseph Ramirez-Hernandez Juan Vences-Benitez Board Members in Attendance: Krystal Gomez, Chair Nicole Merritt, Vice-Chair Karen Crawford Adrian De La Rosa Board Members not in Attendance: Sara Becker Glenn Rosales Karen Reyes Staff in Attendance: Sinying Chan, Staff Liaison & Health Equity Unit Program Coordinator/Austin Public Health CALL TO ORDER 1. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February 7, 2022; March 7, 2022 • February Minutes Approved, Kate moved to approve, motion seconded, all in favor • March Minutes Approved, Kate moved to approve, Karen seconded 2. NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: A. Updates from Rocio Villalobos on her work with the Equity Office i. Equity Office has been working with Austin Public Library and several other partners on creating an enhanced library card that can also serve as a photo ID. Other cities and counties have already created an enhanced library card program, including San Antonio, San Marcos, and a county in Dallas. The office of Councilman Fuentes hosted a townhall to gather feedback from the community. The feedback was that people were more interested in something more like a municipal ID than an enhanced library card. There is also a potential that the United way of Greater Austin could host the database, and could store and manage the data. They are currently looking to see which route, enhanced library card or municipal ID, would be a better option. Concerns are that a municipal ID could be used to target immigrants unlike a library card which is more common, and whether switching to a municipal ID would delay this project. ii. Naturalization ceremonies resumed March 11th. The City of Austin joined the campaign National Partnership for New Americans which is working to help two million immigrants become U.S. citizens. The Equity Office participated in a large press conference of about 300 people. The ceremony was hybrid due to weather restrictions. More ceremonies are planned. iii. The City of San Antonio and other major hubs have been experiencing a large influx of immigrant and are considering the option of having Austin receive and facilitate their travel to relieve some of the burden. Rocio will be going to San Antonio to learn more. Rocio will also be attending the Welcoming Interactive Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. B. Emi Johnson, Austin Public Library, updates …
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2022 6:30 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Krystal Gomez, Chair Nicole Merritt, Vice Chair Sara Becker Karen Crawford Adrian De La Rosa AGENDA Rennison Lalgee Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch Joseph Ramirez-Hernandez Glenn Rosales Juan Vences-Benitez CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February 7, 2022 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Karla Peredo, Office of Police Oversight, to provide updates on current work to revise APD’s body-worn camera and dashboard camera policies and speak on previous and future community engagement efforts with immigrant and refugee communities b. Chief Joseph Chacon and Lieutenants Christine Chomout and Craig Smith, Austin Police Department (APD), to discuss: (1) U-Visa report and (2) Resolution 74 Immigration Enforcement report c. Brie Franco, Intergovernmental Relations Office, briefing on legislation that passed that affects the City of Austin d. Budget discussion and vote on recommendations 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Report back from ISNA and the RST quarterly consultations – Juan and Rennison b. Joint Inclusion Committee meeting updates – Karen FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Sinying Chan at Austin Public Health Department, at 512-972-5117, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, please contact Sinying Chan at 512-972-5117.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20220307-2d1: Development of Immigrant Affairs Office WHEREAS, we heard from the community an appreciation that the Immigrant Affairs position was created, and a recognition that one person cannot handle all of the work that will be required; and WHEREAS, an immigrant affairs office would help ensure the needs of the immigrant community in Austin are met; and WHEREAS, Austin has a large and diverse immigrant community, with varying needs and varying degrees of involvement in city government. Those most impacted are largely unseen, whether because of language barriers, cultural concerns, or concerns related to immigration status. This office will be able to reach out to the community so that their voices can be heard; and WHEREAS, immigrant communities have been most affected by the pandemic and the ongoing energy and utility crises, and having an immigrant affairs office helps ensure the communities are not only reached but best served, which helps the community as a whole; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin funded one full time position within the Equity Office to work in immigrant affairs; and WHEREAS, there is a large, diverse immigrant community in Austin, and our commission’s hope is that the immigrant affairs office can go out into the community to learn their concerns, see where there are gaps in services, and assess the City’s ability to address their concerns; and WHEREAS, many cities that are Austin’s peers have established immigrant affairs offices, including Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio; and WHEREAS, a report by the LBJ School of the University of Texas at Austin found that an immigrant affairs office is necessary and recommended1. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the expansion of the Immigrant Affairs office, since one person cannot take on everything that is required of this office. 1 “Advancing Immigrant Incorporation in Austin,” Ruth Ellen Wassem et al, University of Texas LBJ School for Public Affairs, July 2021, https://repositories.lib.utexas.edu/handle/2152/86821 Date of Approval: March 7, 2022 Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 9-0 vote with Glenn Rosales absent Attest: Staff Liaison
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20220307-2d2: Increase in Legal Services Funding WHEREAS, we heard from the community that legal services funding is crucial, and there is still unmet need; and WHEREAS, there are immigrants who need access to counsel, and cannot afford attorneys. This is especially so for immigrants facing removal proceedings; and WHEREAS, in a time of changes in immigration policy, people have more need of legal representation, as it has become very complicated, and it is essential that immigrant communities obtain accurate advice and assistance; and WHEREAS, the people most impacted by the complicated changes in immigration policy are low-income immigrants; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin already funds legal services for low income immigrants who are Austin residents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends that we increase funding for immigration legal services. Date of Approval: March 7, 2022 Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 9-0 vote with Glenn Rosales absent Attest: Staff Liaison
