It would serve as an advisory board to the county on immigrant issues
Frederick, MD (KB) A bill to establish a Commission on Immigrant Affairs was formally introduced to the Frederick County Council on Tuesday. The Commission would serve as an advisory board to the county on immigrant issues. It would also encourage civic engagement among the immigrant community.
Several residents testified in support of the bill. One was Flora Gray, who said Frederick County has a very diverse immigrant community.
“I have had the opportunity to see through my father’s church members, and hear their experiences about their challenges to accessing resources,” Gray said.
Also in support of the bill was Ivania Amador, who works at Frederick Community College.
“As an administrator at a Frederick County-level partner, Frederick Community College, I work directly with impacted immigrant communities and ESL and adult education programming,” she said. “The need for support to this population is great and as an institution, I am proud that FCC offered a letter of support to this initiative.”
Amador went on to say the immigrant community deserves to be represented in the county.
“As a young adult ministry leader in a church, working with the immigrant young adults, trying to navigate the issues and barriers we face daily, the nuances and the complexities of such groups deserves its own voice and representation in the county,” she continued.
A public hearing will be held on the legislation at a later date.
In other action, the Council unanimously approved a bill to change the county’s personnel rules. It would add sexual orientation, gender identity and genetic information as protected classes in terms of employment. It would also change the timing for when a job applicant’s criminal history can be considered when it comes to employment, and change the timing for when salary history can be considered in an offer of employment.