DE SB249

Establishes the Office of New Delawareans within the Department of State to improve the lives and economic prosperity of immigrants and all Delaware residents.

Office duties include responding to immigration inquiries, serving as information clearinghouse for state agencies, analyzing immigrant demographic and economic trends, developing strategies to attract and retain immigrants, and providing matching grant funds for immigration and economic development programs.

Office responsibilities include disseminating information about naturalization services, legal services, English language instruction, and refugee resettlement support, and working to reduce exploitation and fraud against immigrants.

Creates an Advisory Committee to the Office with members from eight state agencies (State, OMB, Labor, Education, Health and Social Services, Transportation, State Police, and Attorney General) plus 13 members appointed by the Governor representing immigrant-serving organizations, immigration law, higher education, business, banking, workforce training, healthcare, human services, and refugee resettlement sectors.

Advisory Committee must make policy recommendations to the Governor and Secretary, serve as liaison between state government and immigrant communities, monitor state agency practices regarding immigrants, and conduct at least one public hearing annually on improving immigrant attraction, retention, and integration.