Baltimore County Announces Call for Applicants for Immigrant Affairs Commission

Baltimore County today announced a call for applications to serve on its new Immigrant Affairs Commission. Established through executive order by County Executive Johnny Olszewski, the Commission will act as an advisory body that welcomes immigrant voices, facilitates civic engagement among the immigrant community, and recognizes and legitimizes issues of importance to immigrants living in Baltimore County.  

Applications will remain open through Friday, January 10, 2025.

“Baltimore County draws great strength from its diversity, and we believe that all people – including new Americans – should feel welcomed, included and valued,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “This Commission’s work will highlight our commitment to supporting immigrant communities, advocating for all voices to be heard and understood, and facilitating more equitable access to County resources.”

The Commission will consist of up to 15 voting members as well as nine non-voting members to act in advisory roles. The voting members will consist of three immigrants living in the county, two members each from business, faith, and community service organizations, two attorneys practicing immigration law, one member of the healthcare field, one social worker serving immigrants in the county, one representative from a refugee resettlement organization, and one representative from the Baltimore County Council.  

The nine non-voting members will include representatives from various County departments, Baltimore County Public Schools and Baltimore County Community College.  

Duties for Commission members will include advising on ways to improve immigrant access to County services and resources, strengthen opportunities for immigrants to participate in civic life, and encourage dialogue and understanding among immigrant communities and the non-immigrant community. The Commission will also make recommendations for existing or proposed policies and compile data related to immigrant affairs.

Information about Baltimore County’s Immigrant Affairs team can be found here, as well as links to the Welcoming and Belonging Strategic Plan and a Resource Guide for New Americans in Chinese, Korean, Nepali, Russian, Spanish, Urdu, Yoruba and English.

The full text of the Executive Order is available here.