Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session
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.