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Legislative Updates
Office of Migrant Services
For several months, governors of Texas and Arizona have been busing migrants from their southern borders to the District of Columbia. In response to the new arrivals, volunteers in our Mutual Aid networks, faith communities and our non-profit organizations have stepped up to serve them. Thank you, to all of you who have pitched in. During this time, I’ve been coordinating efforts among elected leaders across the region and here in DC. I, along with nine of my colleagues, sent a letter in July to the Mayor asking for five things: funding for emergency services; dedicated District staff to respond to migrants; demanding dignified arrivals from Texas and Arizona; respite space; and access to COVID testing and isolation. The District of Columbia has a long history of welcoming immigrants and protecting their rights. Many of those arriving since April are not choosing to
make their home here in DC. For those who do, we are working to accommodate their needs.
Last week, the Mayor announced that the District of Columbia would establish the Office of Migrant Services, to create the infrastructure to meet the demands from the letter and implement best practices for providing humane assistance to migrants. The office will: build capacity so that every bus can be met upon arrival; triage the needs of people arriving and attend to their basic needs; and set up a system, distinct from the homeless services system, tailored to the needs of migrants. I will continue to work with the Mayor and her team to support these efforts.
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