Section 9-3303 - Authorized Activities by Office

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)

ating 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.