§ 9–3303
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 9-3303 (2026)
Title 9. Miscellaneous Executive Agencies
Subtitle 33. Governor's Office of Immigrant Affairs
§ 9–3303LinkCopy Citation
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)
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.