1. (1) establish a network of neighborhood-based opportunity centers that provide immigration services to immigrants;
2. (2) increase access to ESOL programs, including by engaging nonprofit organizations and other qualified providers of ESOL programs;
3. (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. (4) connect immigrants to:

   1. (i) business resources that use the immigrants' skills;
   2. (ii) employment referral programs; and
   3. (iii) other workforce development programs;
5. (5) develop and leverage immigrants' skills to benefit the immigrants' communities and the State;
6. (6) strengthen the connection between immigrants and the immigrants' communities through civic engagement;
7. (7) reduce exploitation of immigrants;

8. (8) establish a toll-free, multilingual hotline and a website for purposes including:

   1. (i) disseminating information about the programs and services offered by the Office;
   2. (ii) referring for services; and
   3. (iii) receiving complaints relating to fraud and other related crimes against immigrants;

9. (9) ensure that individuals referred by the Office are directed to persons who are:

   1. (i) in compliance with Title 14, Subtitle 33 of the Commercial Law Article; or
   2. (ii) authorized by the federal Office of Legal Access Programs;
10. (10) using information developed by the Office through the hotline established under this section, assist law enforcement in combating crimes against immigrants;
11. (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. (12) coordinate with other State agencies and otherwise use the resources of the State to serve the needs of immigrants; and
13. (13) encourage and assist local governments in the development of activities to enhance civic engagement among immigrants and in immigrant communities.

Subject to the availability of funding, the Office shall:

Added by Acts 2021, c. 674, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2021; Acts 2021, c. 675, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2021.