STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Human and Social Needs
AGENDA DATE: February 10, 2021
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Equity and Inclusion
EXECUTIVE: M. Elizabeth Cedillo-Pereira
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SUBJECT
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Authorize the execution of a Safe Network Agreement with the Vera Institute of Justice Inc. to (1) administer the civil immigration legal services initiative; and (2) provide in-kind infrastructure support including training and technical assistance, data collection, reporting, program monitoring, and communications assistance, in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00, for the period September 16, 2020 through September 15, 2022 - Not to exceed $100,000.00 - Financing: General Fund
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BACKGROUND
The Office of Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs (WCIA) was established in March 2017 to promote the civic, economic and cultural contributions of immigrants and refugees to the City of Dallas. Among WCIA's first priorities was to oversee an economic and demographic study of immigrants in Dallas. The "Welcoming Dallas Strategic Plan" was approved by Resolution No. 18-1520 on October 24, 2018 pursuant to the study and a survey. The survey assessed quality of life issues of immigrants and refugees in Dallas via a survey, finding a consistent and top concern to be the increased federal immigration enforcement system. After reaching its peak in FY 2018, the Dallas enforcement area of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has become the national leader in ICE apprehensions. Many of these apprehensions lead to individuals being placed in removal proceedings in Dallas.
Studies show that immigrants who are represented in removal proceedings are up to ten times more likely to establish a right to remain in the United States (US) versus those who are unrepresented.
Dallas derives significant benefits from the economic, social and cultural contributions of immigrant families. As an inclusive city...
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