Maryland § 9-3303

§ 9-3303.

    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.