Los Angeles Daily News

Council creates Office of Immigrant Affairs

By Rick Orlov
Staff Writer

Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - With more than 40 percent of Los Angeles residents having come from foreign countries, the city on Tuesday created an Office of Immigrant Affairs to help newcomers adjust to their new home.

The City Council voted unanimously to create the office under Mayor James Hahn's jurisdiction. The office will be staffed with two employees who will help put immigrants in contact with existing community service and support organizations.

The $125,000 cost to operate the office will be covered by federal grants during the first year and included as part of the mayor's operating budget in future years.

"This is not an office that is designed to encourage people to break the law by moving here illegally," Hahn said at a City Hall news conference. "What we are doing is recognizing the needs of the immigrant community that make this city so great."

Councilman Eric Garcetti, who introduced the proposal, said it was long overdue.

"In my district alone, there are more than 100 different languages spoken," Garcetti said. "Los Angeles is a city fueled by immigrants' dreams and visions. The time is now to dedicate a branch of our city government to welcoming immigrants to our city."

Garcetti said New York, Chicago and Houston have similar operations.

"We can't look at immigrants as people who just came here yesterday," Councilman Tony Cardenas said. "We have to look at the past, the present and the future contributions."

Rick Oltman, western director of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, questioned the need for the office.

"It's not the money they're spending, it's the symbolism," Oltman said. "Those immigrants who are in the country legally don't seem to have a problem getting along. I'm not sure if this is just another government entity looking to help promote illegal immigration."

Rick Orlov, (213) 978-0390 rick.orlov@dailynews.com