Politics & Government
Montgomery Co. Appoints First Ever Director Of Immigrant Affairs
As mass deportations continue nationwide and key federal programs are cut, Montgomery County is expanding supports for the most vulnerable.
NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County appointed their first ever Director of Immigrant Affairs this week as the county looks to provide important resources and support for local immigrants and refugees.
The announcement comes as both mass deportations and cuts to related federal programs have begun nationwide under President Trump's new administration.
The appointee is Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo, who previously served as the CEO of ACLAMO, one of the region's most far reaching and significant Latino community programs. She has decades of experience with immigrant issues.
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Jiménez-Arévalo herself immigrated to the United States from Venezuela in the 1990s.
“My journey from Caracas to Norristown began 27 years ago," she said. "Since then, I have dedicated my life to making sure that everyone who makes Montgomery County home feels welcome and supported to thrive and achieve great things. I take great pride in the work I do to connect communities and make them stronger."
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County leaders were explicit that the goal of the of the position is not to "shape or influence" federal immigration policy, but it's also clear that the role seeks to fill an existing gap in services for a vulnerable sector of society.
“Montgomery County recognizes the challenges many immigrant families face, from navigating complex legal systems to confronting discrimination and economic barriers,” Commissioner Jamila Winder said in a statement.
Specifically, the new position within the County’s new Office of Immigrant Affairs will focus on housing solutions, healthcare issues, legal rights, help with workforce issues and employment, and more.
It's the latest expansion of a county program to support vulnerable populations in Montgomery County. The county also increased funding and announced several new hirings for its DEI office last week, and has been steadily expanding its network of homeless shelters for months.
Officials say that some 100,000 recent immigrants call Montgomery County home.
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