About
The Task Force is being formed to analyze model Offices of Immigrant Affairs in local jurisdictions and in State Government and develop recommendations on a proposed structure, staffing, and placement for an Office of Immigrant Affairs within Howard County Government to enhance the County’s support of its immigrant community.
Comprised of nearly 23 percent foreign born residents with nearly 120 languages spoken, Howard County thrives on its diversity. A vital part of our county, our immigrant community members contribute to our local and state economy by strengthening Howard County’s workforce, talent pipeline, and economic competitiveness. With the establishment of this Task Force and, ultimately, an Office of Immigrant Affairs, we aim to increase access to County services, including language access, health and social supports, and resource navigation support for our immigrant neighbors so they may live, thrive, and grow in our great county they call home.
Committee Information
The Immigrant Affairs Task Force is established to develop recommendations for the creation of a Howard County Office of Immigrant Affairs to bolster the County’s support of its immigrant community.
The Task Force shall perform the following responsibilities:
- Analyze model Offices of Immigrant Affairs in local jurisdictions and in State Government to inform its recommendations on a proposed structure, staffing, and placement for an Office of Immigrant Affairs within Howard County Government;
Make policy and programmatic recommendations across the following five focus areas:
1. Education and Outreach Opportunities
·The Task Force shall recommend how an Office of Immigrant Affairs will coordinate culturally appropriate opportunities across government, schools, nonprofits, businesses, and faith institutions (e.g., increasing engagement with immigrants that are disconnected from county and education resources).
2. Safety and Stability
· The Task Force shall recommend strategies for an Office of Immigrant Affairs to increase community trust and public safety engagement, including but not limited to: consumer protection and fraud prevention, interaction with law enforcement, family stability supports (e.g., standby guardianship awareness), and legal navigation resources.
3. Government, Health, Social Services, and Language Access
· The Task Force shall recommend how an Office of Immigrant Affairs can address multilingual service delivery across agencies, determine gaps in navigation, address mental health and trauma needs, increase food and housing supports, increase digital access, and standardize translation and interpretation services.
4. Workforce Development and Economic Mobility
· The Task Force shall recommend on the coordination necessary to be provided by the Office of Immigrant Affairs to align County workforce programs with business services and hiring support, increase workforce training and career counseling for immigrants, determine unique models for apprenticeships, youth, and veteran programs; and work with state and federal partners on foreign credential recognition and alignment and navigation of work authorization pathways.
5. Financial Empowerment and Consumer Protection
· The Task Force shall provide recommendations on how the Office of Immigrant Affairs will increase access to safe banking and financial services, financial literacy and long-term planning, protection from predatory practices, and pathways to wealth-building.
The Immigrant Affairs Task Force shall be composed of a representative, unless noted otherwise, from the following offices or entities:
1. County Administration
2. Office of Human Rights and Equity
3. Department of Community Resources and Services
4. Department of Social Services
5. Howard County Police Department
6. Office of Consumer Protection
7. Office of Workforce Development
8. Howard Community College
9. Howard County Economic Development Authority
10. Howard County Public School System
11. Columbia Community Care
12. Luminus Network for New Americans
13. La Alianza Latina Commission
14. AAPI Commission
15. Interfaith Advisory Commission
16. A youth representative under the age of 20
17. Howard County Employers representing target industries (up to 5)