CC - Item D - Immigration and naturalization service local pilot program - Internal Files box 690-
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS
f-FRANK ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
FROM: G. TRIPEPI, CITY
DATE: AUGUST 20, 1991
RE: IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE LOCAL PILOT PROGRAM
This item is being presented at the request of Mayor Imperial.
PROPOSAL
In an effort to secure greater service and support for Rosemead's
foreign-born residents, Mayor Imperial and staff entered into
discussions with the INS LA District Director, Mr. Moshorak, and his
staff. As a result of these meetings, a proposed Local Pilot Program
has been developed wherein Immigration and'Naturalization forms and
information would be made available to residents at City Hall. This
program would be administered by the City Clerk and staff, possibly
assisted by local volunteers. INS would provide forms, information,
and support as needed.
DISCUSSION
Anyone who has ever dealt with INS is aware that the vast majority of
an applicant's time and effort involves the determination,
acquisition, and correct completion of the proper forms for a
particular case or situation. At present, the only way for local
residents to do this effectively is to go to the INS office in the LA
Federal Building. In the best of circumstances, this is an extremely
difficult and time consuming process, often involving very long waits
and confusing procedures. For anyone with limited English or
cultural familiarity, this can be an almost insurmountable
difficulty. The result is unnecessary delays and complications in an
already arduous process.
COUNCIL AGENDA
AUG 2.'7 ]991
ITEM No.
MANAGER
Page 2.
This Pilot Program would allow the City of Rosemead to assist
residents on a one-to-one basis, in a much more helpful environment.
Applicants will be able to accomplish much of what they need in a far
more efficient and convenient manner. A significant additional
benefit will be the enhanced relations between the City and its
foreign-born communities, and the more rapid acculturation of
immigrant residents that is sure to result from this contact.
INS has developed an information/forms packet which provides the most
commonly needed forms and instructions for filing. This collection
of forms will cover the bulk of inquiries; for inquires outside this
scope, INS has established direct contact points at the District
office to answer questions and provide information. INS has also
established procedures for the City to order forms as needed.
Because INS keeps no information regarding where in their service
area inquiries originate, it is difficult to estimate the number of
people who will avail themselves of this service at City Hall.
However, the INS facility, which serves a seven county area,
routinely sees 2,000 people weekly at the downtown information
facility. Given the large foreign-born population of Rosemead (and
surrounding cities) a planning figure of 10 - 15 inquiries daily is
probably workable. Experience suggests about 10 minutes per inquiry,
meaning approximately 2 hours of staff time daily. Another hour or
two per week would be required for administration and
"book-keeping". Spread between the City Clerk, staff, and
volunteers, this commitment would not be an excessive burden.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Rosemead City Council approve the
establishment of the INS Local Pilot Program at City Hall, to be
administered by the City Clerk and staff. No additional costs, other
than publicity, are anticipated for this program. Staff and INS plan
a program re-evaluation after 4 months.
FGT:ak
S:TRAFIQ(1)
CITY OF MONTEREY PARK
320 west newmark avenue • monterey park, california 91754
. municipal services center
August 20, 1991
The Honorable Jay T. Imperial
Mayor
City of Rosemead
8838 E. Valley Boulevard
P.O. Box 399
Rosemead, CA 91770
Subject: Immigration Service Local Pilot Program
Dear Mayor Imperial:
04 ~jo N T£RRb
a - A
°~ttsoa~~r
Thank you for your leadership in initiating a Pilot Program to
provide immigration assistance to residents via.local City
Halls. The City of Monterey Park will be very interested to know
about Rosemead's experience before we decide to participate and
be responsible for our "fair share".
I will be updating our City Clerk, Dave Barron, on this matter.
It was a pleasure to meet you and I especially appreciate your
sensitivity and caring attitude toward the new residents.
Sincerely,
7ti<E'.v'vL..J
Suhow
Assistant City Manager
cc: Chris Jeffers, Interim City Manager
SC:kls
SLA52
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