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Baltimore Mayor makes Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs permanent
MIMA was a recommendation from The New Americans Task Force, a diverse group of community stakeholders.
Mayor Scott and officials signed a bill making MIMA permanent. / Image - Mayor Baltimore.gov
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, on June 27, signed City Council Bill 23-0438 into law, making the operations of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MIMA) permanent in the presence of City Council members.
The office established in 2014, aims to promote community wellbeing, economic development, and the integration of immigrant communities in Baltimore. Since its inception, MIMA has served as a hub for technical assistance, immigrant support, civic engagement, information, resources, and advocacy.
“For a decade, MIMA has been instrumental in providing essential information, advocacy, and support to our immigrant population – often in the most difficult circumstances,” said Mayor Scott. “By signing this bill today, we are ensuring that Baltimore’s immigrant population and our city as a whole will continue to see the benefits of MIMA’s tireless work, no matter who is in office.”
Councilwoman Odette Ramos (District 14), who introduced the legislation, expressed pride in making MIMA a permanent office. “We are sending a message to reassure our community and reiterating that Baltimore City is a welcoming city. Our Hispanic/Latine community is the fastest-growing population in the city and I am proud to represent them,” Ramos said. “We must continue to do the work to ensure our immigrant communities thrive here in Baltimore.”
“MIMA was established through tireless advocacy of dedicated partners who believed in more than just symbolic gestures,” said Catalina Rodriguez, Director of MIMA. “Today’s milestone ensures that MIMA's mission will endure for years to come. However, its success depends on all of us. We must remain vigilant and proactive, ensuring that MIMA remains an important component of our local government.”
In 2021, Baltimore City was ranked number five in the country in immigrant integration efforts by the American Immigration Council and the New Americans Economy. In 2019, Baltimore City earned the nationally recognized designation of Certified Welcoming after an intensive audit by Welcoming America. From 2010 to 2021, Baltimore’s foreign-born population grew by over 4,571 people, now representing 8 percent of the city’s total population, reflecting on the importance of this legislation.
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