MIMA April Newsletter: Census 2020

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April 2019

Registration for the Baltimore Immigration Summit on May 31 is NOW OPEN! Register for this FREE EVENT here


Census 2020 and Immigrant Communities

Census 2020 MIMA

April 1st marked the first year countdown to Census 2020. Historically, immigrants have been underrepresented in the decennial count. Help us increase Census participation by commenting on the Complete Count Committee Action Plan, which includes a section on how to engage New American communities in Baltimore. The Baltimore Complete Count Committee Action Plan is available for public comment throughout the month of April.

Tell us how to reach your communities as Everyone Counts in Baltimore!


MIMA's Strategic Plan: Tell us What YOU Think!

MIMA Strategic Plan

The Mayor’s Office of immigrant Affairs (MIMA) was established in 2014 as a result of recommendation of the New Americans Task Force and its report “The Role of Immigrants in Growing Baltimore.”

Five years after the initial release of that report, MIMA recognizes the demographics and needs of New Americans in Baltimore may have changed and require a new strategy. That’s why MIMA will be releasing an updated strategic plan this summer, but before its release, we need YOUR input.

Let us know what you think about our Strategic Plan here.


MIMA en Español: Be on Alert for Utility Pricing Scam / Alerta de Estafa de Utilidades

Alerta de Estafa de Utilidades


Snapshot of Our Community: International Family Night

International Family Night

On April 4, Baltimore City Public Schools held its first ever International Family Night at the Inner Harbor! Over 700 families registered to attend the event at Columbus Center for a night of food, fun and celebrations for Baltimore’s immigrant and newcomer communities from all over the city.  MIMA and community partners participated in the event to provide information and resources.


Partner Spotlight: Baltimore City Community College and Baltimore City Community Action Partnership initiative

BCCC Community Action Partnership

This month, Ex Officio Mayor Young joined representatives of U.S. Conference of Mayors to kick off a partnership between the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Baltimore Community Action Partnerships and Baltimore City Community College to promote financial literacy among English language learner students. 

The initiative, funded by a DollarWise grant from the US Conference of Mayors, allows English Language Learner students attending BCCC to access workshops and one-on-one coaching based on financial literacy topics. In addition, the initiative will release a series of public service announcements to increase awareness and access to information about the importance of financial literacy to those who are new to the country. Check out the first PSA!

For information regarding financial services please contact 410-396-3228.


National Happenings: Proposal to Amend the Citizenship Fee Waiver

When applying for citizenship, if you’re receiving a means-tested public benefit, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you may still currently qualify for a fee waiver. On April 5, 2019, the Trump administration proposed eliminating the means-tested benefit as a way to qualify for the fee waiver. This proposal could become effective as early as late May. What can you do?

  • Submit comment opposing the proposed regulation by May 6, 2019
  • Contact your member of Congress, urging them to take action against the proposal.

MIMA encourages all eligible lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to apply for citizenship as soon as possible - before the change eliminates fee waivers for those who receive means-tested benefits. Impacted residents should seek legal advice from licensed attorneys or legal service providers. Check out MIMA’s Welcome Guide for information regarding legal services or via AILA’s Immigration Lawyer Search


Grant Opportunities

Maryland State Department of Education – Pre-K Development Grant for Early Childhood Advisory Councils: This grant supports efforts to foster collaboration and maximize local resources to prepare children with high needs (including children from low-income families, children with disabilities, and English Learners) to enter kindergarten. Deadline for Submission: May 31st no later than 4:00 p.m.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation – Autumn Round of Grants: The Foundation considers requests to support museums, cultural, and performing arts programs; schools, hospitals, educational and skills training programs, programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and their programs. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $20,000. Deadline for Submission: May 10th.

Baltimore Heritage Area Association – Heritage Investment Grants: This grant is a source of funding designed to provide small, but strategic investments in cultural heritage tourism projects and organizations within the boundaries of the heritage area. First-time applicants are required to attend an information session on the grant process. Deadline for Submission: June 5th.

Chesapeake Bay Trust – Community Engagement Grant: The Community Engagement Grant is designed to engage Maryland residents in activities that enhance communities, engage residents, and improve natural resources. Requests for this Grant Program are accepted on an on-going basis until funds are fully expended for the fiscal year.

Wells Fargo – Community Development Grant: Wells Fargo is interested in funding organizations that focus on workforce training and job-readiness, affordable rental housing and home ownership, and support for diverse/underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses. Applications open on May 1, 2019 and are due by July 1, 2019.


Calendar of Events

2019 International Fair at Digital Harbor
April 26, 8:00AM – 2:50PM
Digital Harbor High School
1100 Covington St.

Día del Niño– Children’s Day
April 27, 11:00AM-2:00PM
Patterson Park (Pagoda)
27 S. Patterson Park Ave.

Roots & Raíces Youth Fest
April 28, 1:00PM -12:00AM
128 W. North Ave.
Main Entrance through Maryland Ave. and 19 1/12 St. 

Flower Mart Dog Show and Parade
May 4, 12:30 PM -1:30PM
Flower Mart at Mount Vernon Place

11th Annual LPN Feria Latina
May 4, 10:00AM
Sagrado Corazon de Jesus/ Sacred Heart of Jesus
600 S Conkling St 

21st Annual Kinetic Sculpture Race
May 4, 9:30AM
American Visionary Art Museum
800 Key Hwy.

Educación para Compradores de Vivienda
May 9, 5:00PM
Southeast CDC
500 South Highland Ave.

Lithuanian Festival – Baltimore
May 11, 11:00 AM- 6:00PM
Lithuanian Hall
851 Hollins St.

7th Annual African American Children's Book Fair
May 11, 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Reginald F. Lewis Museum
830 E Pratt St.

The Unwanted: America, Auschwitz, and a Village Caught in Between
May 15, 7:00PM
Jewish Museum of Maryland
15 Lloyd St.

MICA Annual ArtWalk
May 17, 5:30PM- 8:30PM\
Maryland Institute College of Art
1300 W. Mt Royal Ave.

Komite Ayiti Presents Haitian Flag Day Celebration
May 19, 5:00PM-8:30PM
Creative Alliance
3134 Eastern Ave.

Baltimore Immigration Summit
May 31, 8:30AM-4:30PM
Coppin State University
Physical Education Complex

2019 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Event
May 31, 5:00PM- 9:00PM
Brown Center, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
1301 West Mount Royal Ave.


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Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs
100 N. Holliday Street, Room 250
Baltimore, MD  21202
410-396-8056