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REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS NOVEMBER 6th, 2023 AT 6:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL 301 W.2nd ST. 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, email Gunjen Mittal, gunjen.mittal@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Melissa Ortega, Vice Chair Jose Caceres Adrian De La Rosa Fang Fang Aditi Joshi Rennison Lalgee AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Adnan Suleiman Anjum Malik Victor Martinez 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 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING on 8/7/2023. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Discussion on Commissioner vacancies and welcome new Commissioners. Discussion on Joint Inclusion Budget Workshop, Townhalls and announcements on FY25 budget recommendation cycle. Font Size: 12; Font: Times New Roman; Font Style: Regular DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Discussion and possible action on electing Chair and Vice Chair for Commission. Discussion and possible action on approval of 2024 calendar. Discussion and possible action on scheduling a retreat in January for the commission and solicitation of possible agenda items that can help envision, plan, and organize priorities for the Commission. Discussion and possible action on electing Primary Representative and Alternative Representative for JIC. Review, discuss, and possible action to update membership of all current working groups. Discussion and possible action on passing a recommendation to City Council to condemn the inhumane activities of Operation Lone Star. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council for an updated report on the budget. 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 …
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1. 2. 3. SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS August 7, 2023 AT 6:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL 301 W.2nd ST. 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: Miriam Dorantes, Chair Adrian De La Rosa Fang Fang Melissa Ortega, Vice Chair Aditi Joshi Rennison Lalgee AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Anjum Malik Adnan Suleiman 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 6/5/2023. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING on 10/3/2022. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING on 12/5/2022. Font Size: 12; Font: Times New Roman; Font Style: Regular STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 6. 7. 8. 9. Staff briefing by Rocio Villalobos regarding her job title and role with Austin immigrant communities. 5. Discussion on hosting a retreat for the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action on to pass a budget recommendation to City Council in support of Aztec Kids Code. Discussion and possible action on forming a budget workgroup. Discussion and possible action on conducting a Quality-of-Life Study on immigrant and Discussion and possible action to approve the endorsement of Community Investment refugee communities in Austin. budget. 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. TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS, please contact Gunjen …
Recommendation 20230807-009: Support of Academia Cuahtli Programming — original pdf
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS (CoIA) Recommendation Number 20230328-013 RESOLUTION FROM THE COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS IN SUPPORT OF ACADEMIA CUAHTLI PROGRAMMING AND EXPANSION Date: June 22, 2023 Subject: RESOLUTION FROM THE COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS IN SUPPORT OF ACADEMIA CUAHTLI PROGRAMMING AND EXPANSION Motioned by: Commissioner Fang Fang Seconded By: Commissioner Aditi Joshi ______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: The Commission on Immigrant Affairs (CoIA) recommends that City Council members support and approve the Hispanic Quality of Life Resources Advisory Commissions FY 2023-2024 Budget Recommendation (20230328-013) for supporting largely immigrant, Spanish-speaking children and youth in Austin by increasing funding for culturally and linguistically diverse programs through an allocation of $550,000.00 for Academia Cuauhtli. DESCRIPTION OF RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: WHEREAS, since its founding in 2013, Academia Cuauhtli (founded by Nuestro Grupo, a community-based volunteer organization) was established at the ESB-MACC as a free Saturday culture and language revitalization academy for elementary school children and their parents, with a curriculum focused on Indigeneity, social justice, Tejano history, traditional arts, and danza Mexica and since July 2014, Academia Cuauhtli has served as an official educational enterprise partnered with the Austin Independent School District (AISD) and Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Culture Center (ESB-MACC); WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli, administered through a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Austin, Austin Independent School District (AISD), and Nuestro Grupo embraces and fulfills the Commission on Immigrant Affairs mission of collaborative engagement by advocating for educational equity and well-being for immigrant, first-generation, and low socioeconomic background AISD students in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin; WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli fulfills its mission expressed as “to honor our communities' cultural heritage, foster social justice, and reclaim our collective identities in pursuit of educational freedom” by serving as a means for the comprehensive advancement of the students and their parents—via its strong partnership with students’ parents—by providing a supportive and uplifting learning environment, as well as for providing for the social, and economic needs, including the extensive COVID-related assistance extended to its participant Latino families during the pandemic in Austin, Texas; WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli fulfills its mission by enrolling from 2014-2023 over 800 AISD emergent bilingual students, trained over 250 Indigenous/Latinx public school teachers, hosted over 25 professional development workshops, initiated Cuauhtli’s Grow Your Own bilingual leadership development program for AISD teachers of color, and successfully implemented a research-university-community partnership between AISD, UT Austin’s College of Education Department of Educational Leadership and Policy …
Agenda — original pdf
1. 2. 3. Regular meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs December 5th, 2022, 6:30pm Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 W 2nd St AUSTIN, TEXAS the Commission on Immigrant Affairs may be participating by Some members of 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 Sarah 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 Armin Salek 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 October 3rd, 2022. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of Travis County appointee vacancy and need to fill position. Enhanced Library Card Updates DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion on Quality of Life Study updates for Immigrant Affairs Commission Discussion and possible action on Quality of Life Study Retreat Discussion on Quality of Life Town halls in December 2022 and January 2023 Discussion on 2023 Budgeting process and possible action on workgroup through March 4. 5. 6. 7. 2023. 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.
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1. 2. Regular Meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs October 3rd, 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 Armin Salek 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 September 6th, 2022. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion on APD U-Visa Review Panel. Font Size: 12; Font: Times New Roman; Font Style: Regular DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action on creation of Budget Working Group. Discussion and possible action on Quality of Life Study and creation of working group. Discussion and possible action on 2023 Meeting Schedule. Discussion of Joint Inclusion Committee and possible action on COIA representative . 3. 4. 5. 6. 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
Agenda — original pdf
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
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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.
Recommendation 20220810-002: Enhanced Library Card — original pdf
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 …
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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.
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Agenda — original pdf
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) …
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Approved Minutes — original pdf
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 …
Agenda — original pdf
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.
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