Subject to the availability of funding, the Office shall:
(1) establish a network of neighborhood-based opportunity centers that provide immigration services to immigrants;
(2) increase access to ESOL programs, including by engaging nonprofit organizations and other qualified providers of ESOL programs;
(3) assist immigrants in matters relating to immigration status, including assisting with the naturalization process and applications for deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA);
(4) connect immigrants to:
(i) business resources that use the immigrants' skills;
(ii) employment referral programs; and
(iii) other workforce development programs;
(5) develop and leverage immigrants' skills to benefit the immigrants' communities and the State;
(6) strengthen the connection between immigrants and the immigrants' communities through civic engagement;
(7) reduce exploitation of immigrants;
(8) establish a toll-free, multilingual hotline and a website for purposes including:
(i) disseminating information about the programs and services offered by the Office;
(ii) referring for services; and
(iii) receiving complaints relating to fraud and other related crimes against immigrants;
(9) ensure that individuals referred by the Office are directed to persons who are:
(i) in compliance with Title 14, Subtitle 33 of the Commercial Law Article; or
(ii) authorized by the federal Office of Legal Access Programs;
(10) using information developed by the Office through the hotline established under this section, assist law enforcement in combating crimes against immigrants;
(11) advise the Governor and Director concerning matters affecting immigrants in the State in order to promote and encourage the full participation of immigrants in the State's civic and economic life;
(12) coordinate with other State agencies and otherwise use the resources of the State to serve the needs of immigrants; and
(13) encourage and assist local governments in the development of activities to enhance civic engagement among immigrants and in immigrant communities.
Credits
Added by Acts 2021, c. 674, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2021; Acts 2021, c. 675, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2021.
MD Code, State Government, § 9-3303, MD STATE GOVT § 9-3303
Current through legislation effective through April 9, 2023, from the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details.
