HB1461: Immigrant Assistance, Office of; created.

HOUSE BILL NO. 1461

Offered January 17, 2018
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 63.2-209.1, relating to the Office of Immigrant Assistance.
Patron-- Tran
Committee Referral Pending

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 63.2-209.1 as follows:

§ 63.2-209.1. Office of Immigrant Assistance.

There is created in the Department an Office of Immigrant Assistance (the Office) to assist persons lawfully entering the United States and the Commonwealth for the purpose of becoming citizens. The Office shall provide (i) advice and assistance regarding the citizenship application process; (ii) assistance with finding and securing employment, housing, and services for which such persons may be eligible; (iii) information to localities and immigrant service organizations about state programs that help such persons find and secure employment, housing, and services for which they may be eligible and the benefits of such programs; and (iv) information to localities and immigrant service organizations regarding health epidemics and unlawful predatory actions, such as human trafficking, gang recruitment, and fraudulent financial and other schemes, to which communities of such persons may be especially vulnerable.