The panel would advise county government on immigration affairs.
Frederick, Md (KM) A vote on whether to set up an Immigrant Affairs Commission in Frederick County is scheduled for next week. If it passes, the legislation would establish a 17-member panel which would advise the county government on immigration issues.
The Council took testimony on the legislation Tuesday night. Dr. Yewanda Oladeinde, whose an immigrant from Nigeria, said she was not happy with the amendments added to the bill last week, but she still supports the legislation> “Most especially for the benefits immigrant residents of color in Frederick County, many of whom have experienced worsened conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.
An amendment added to the bill would limit the scope of the Commission’s work to making recommendations to county government only. It would not include the Sheriff’s Office, the School System, the State’s Attorney’s Office, the courts and other entities such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (ICE).
“As immigrants, we are resilient, and we know how to make lemonade out of lemon,” Dr. Oladeinde said. “And so we will make the best out of this commission, even though it’s set up to fail.”
Another amendment would require the Commission to make a report to the County Council in two years. The Council could then reauthorize the Commission.
A decision on this bill is expected during the Council meeting on Tuesday, February 2nd.
By Kevin McManus