On Sept. 13, the city’s Board of Aldermen hosted the Frederick County Council for the first joint meeting between the two groups since 2019. Most of the discussion between the
Sheriff Chuck Jenkins on Tuesday accused U.S. Rep. David Trone of trying to score political points in his call to end the 287(g) immigration enforcement program in Frederick County.
Frederick Community College
Literacy Council of Frederick County
All were supportive of the mission of the commission, which for now is named the Commission on Immigrant Affairs.
Bharat Deolekar, president of the Indian Association of Frederick, said his group has been around for about 20-25 years and serves 150-200 families annually.
As far as desired services and guidance, Deolekar pointed to health care issues, access to government services and immigrants seeking green cards and citizenship. Thatâs somewhere where a commission could help, especially if a brick and mortar location was opened, he said.
âImmigration rules keep changing regularly,â Deolekar said. âSuppose somebody comes on a green card. What are their rights? ⦠And what is their path to citizenship? If someone comes in on a different status, what can [officials] do to help with that and make sure their path [to citizenship] is safe?â