As the sky crumbled above them, the city’s Commission on Immigrant Affairs scrambled to pick up the pieces Monday night in response to Gov. Greg Abbott’s signing of Senate Bill 4 over the weekend. Slated to become law September 1, the bill seeks to impose more responsibility on local law enforcement to pursue state and […]
Commission on Immigrant Affairs
The Commission on Immigrant Affairs advises the Austin City Council on issues regarding education, health and the demographic makeup of the immigrant community.
Posted inTravis County
Immigrant Affairs commissioners debate legality of Travis County policy
Disagreement broke out at the Feb. 13 meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs as to whether Travis County or the city of Austin would face criminal or civil prosecution for violating federal immigration law as inferred by President Donald Trump’s Jan. 25 executive order, “Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States.” […]
Posted inCity Council
Council again questions Zimmerman appointments
Facebook posts did them in. As City Council members nixed two of Council Member Don Zimmerman’s appointees — some citing comments made on social media pages — they debated Zimmerman’s judgment following what they said has been a string of controversial nominees to city boards and commissions. Council Member Greg Casar said he felt the […]
Posted inCity Council, Local Politics
Zimmerman appointments given a rough ride
Following their rejection of two of Council Member Don Zimmerman’s nominees to city commissions, City Council members narrowly approved his appointment to the Historic Landmark Commission Thursday. However, they did not have to go through the painful process of removing Zimmerman’s most controversial appointment, Rebecca Forest, to the Commission on Immigrant Affairs. Forest sent a […]
Posted inCity Council
Zimmerman appointee in jeopardy of losing seat
Eight City Council members expressed strong support Tuesday for Council Member Greg Casar’s resolution to rescind the appointment of activist Rebecca Forest to the Commission on Immigrant Affairs. Forest is the co-founder and past president of the Immigration Reform Coalition of Texas, which puts out a strong anti-immigrant message. Forest has written, “Our Muslim President […]
Posted inReporters' Notebook
Reporter’s Notebook: Appointment drama continues
Casar challenges District 6 appointment … Last Friday, Council Member Greg Casar used the City Council Message Board to announce that he will be asking Council to rescind the District 6 nomination to the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, Rebecca Forest. Casar wrote, “During a speech at a political rally, the recent nominee from District 6 […]