Item 3: Immigrant Affairs Presentation — original pdf

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Immigrant Affairs: Current Work and Direction and Houmma Garba, MA, MPA, Immigrant Affairs Manager, DACA Liaison Officer Austin Equity and Inclusion Presented by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer Resolutions and Reports Supporting Immigrant Affairs Work 2015: EDD COIA Welcoming City Initiative Final Report 2017: Resolution No. 20170518-045 (Fight anti-immigrant policies) 2019: Serving Austin’s Immigrant Communities 2025: Certified Welcoming Austin Report (Welcoming America Certification) 2014: Resolution No. 20140626-049 (Welcoming City) 2016: 1 2 3 Resolution No. 20161013-09 (Condemning all hate speech) Resolution Nos. 20161215-066 (Funding for Immigrant Legal services) Resolution No. 20161103-052 (Language Access) 2018: Resolution No. 20180628-124 (Immigrant affairs report + Citizenship clinics) 2021: Advancing Immigrant Incorporation final report 2 Welcoming Certification Standards 1. Civic Engagement Voter inclusion; outreach by and for eligible immigrants; service navigation; boards and commissions; language access for meetings and hearings. 2. Connected Communities Public welcoming commitment; celebration of immigrant cultures; relationship-building; digital access; removal of barriers. 3. Economic Development 4. Education Job seeker support; immigrant entrepreneurs; workforce training; employer engagement; procurement and contracting pathways. School navigation; adult English classes; family engagement; higher education pathways; career technical education. 5. Equitable Access 6. Services information; effective outreach; multilingual information; immigrant workers’ rights; legal services; maternal and child health; rental and homeownership barriers. Government & Community Leadership Dedicated staff position; local commissions; inclusion strategy; task forces; language inclusion; training; needs assessments; collective impact. 7 . Safe Communities Trust-building with immigrant communities; no profiling based on immigrant status; Know Your Rights education; regular communication with residents. 3 Welcoming America Findings (2- Star Certification) Strength: Strong Foundation Austin has demonstrated a commitment to Opportunity: Fragmented Approach Relationships, networks, and equity and immigrant inclusion across programming exist, but the approach is departments not yet coordinated citywide. Opportunity: Government & Community Leadership Monitoring criteria show the need for reliable convening, bidirectional Opportunity: Future Growth Several framework areas have programming that can support a stronger certification pathway if documented and communication, and diverse representation. aligned. 4 Vision Immigrant communities are informed, included, feel safe, and are able to thrive in Austin. 5 Pillars 6 Framework Definitions 1. Access to City Services Assist immigrant communities in accessing city services by providing multilingual resources, supporting language access, and improving navigation of City programs. 2. Community Trust and Relationship Cultivate lasting partnerships with community groups and leaders by expanding engagement with new organizations, maintaining existing partnerships, supporting advisory spaces, and collaborating with trusted messengers. 3. Coordination Across the City Collaborate with City departments to embed immigrant inclusion into daily operations by sharing tools, supporting staff training, and aligning outreach and communication. 4. Programs, Policy, and Data Address community needs by identifying barriers immigrants face, piloting new programs, and shaping policy solutions. 5. Emergency Preparedness and Resilience Ensure immigrant communities get clear, accessible information throughout emergencies through multilingual resources, community-based outreach, and inclusive planning. 7 Current Work: Community–facing and Citywide infrastructure • Know Your Rights sessions • Departmental Service Inventory • Citizenship Information Sessions + • Training for City Employees Regarding Naturalization Clinic Non-APD Law Enforcement at City • Naturalization Ceremonies Support Facilities • World Refugee Day • Welcoming Week • Relationship Building • Equity Mini-grant • DACA support • We All Belong Sponsorship • Human Rights Framework Report • Bystander Intervention Training 9 Austin Welcoming Week 2026 The City celebrated Welcoming Week by partnering with local organizations to unite neighbors of all backgrounds. Together, we made strong connections and affirmed the inclusive, welcoming spaces that are essential to our shared prosperity. 51 Total events held for Welcoming Week 2026, more than doubling 2025. 13 City departments participated in Welcoming Week 2026. 13 Languages represented through Welcoming Week, reflecting Austin’s diversity. Community invited to co-create the Immigrant Affairs roadmap, informing City priorities. 1500+ Estimated attendees across all 51 Welcoming Week events. 32 Total organizations participating in Welcoming Week 2026. 10 Know Your Rights Webinars Upcoming Sessions: October 26 6:00 p.m. (CST) Topic: Healthcare Access November 17 6:00 p.m. (CST) Topic: Housing 11 Thank You | Gracias Learn More... To learn more about resources Austin Equity and Inclusion provides on immigrant affairs, visit AustinTexas.gov/Equity-Inclusion/Human-Rights- Division or scan the QR Code 12 Questions?