1. 2006-2007 Travis County Immigrant Assessment Presentation to Travis County Commissioners’ Court June 5, 2007

2. The Assessment Process: Why Now? Demographic change in Travis County: Between 1990 and 2005, the foreign-born population grew by 230% (about 45,000 to 148,000) Stakeholders discovered a common interest to explore needs of and conditions for foreign-born residents: Catholic Charities of Central Texas City of Austin Commission on Immigrant Affairs Community Action Network Travis County Health and Human Services & Veterans Service

3. The Assessment Process: Developing the Approach  The TCHHS/VS Research and Planning Division stewarded the process, conducting primary and secondary research  Advised and supported by a Steering Committee representing diverse sectors and organizations Goal: Develop a process and create a product that are accurate, balanced, and inclusive

4. Issue areas included: The Assessment Process: Exploring the Issues  Profile of Foreign Born in Travis County  Immigration Policy, Process and Legal Rights  Public Safety  The Economic Safety Net  Housing  Health  Education  Workforce

5. Goals of each section: The Assessment Process: Exploring the Issues  Describe the characteristics of Travis County’s foreign-born population  Provide a picture of national trends vis-à-vis immigrant issues  Consider the relative well-being of immigrant residents within the context of the community’s goals  Include the experiences and perspectives of local immigrant residents

6. To describe the County’s immigrant population, we wanted to know … Demographic Overview: Selected Report Highlights  How has Travis County and its immigrant population grown?  Where do Travis County immigrants originate from and what languages do they speak?  Where do they fall on the socioeconomic and educational attainment spectrum?  Where do immigrants live in Travis County?

7. How has Travis County and its immigrant population grown? Growth in Travis County Population by Nativity, 1990-2005 199020002005 Total Growth Native Born531,327689,659718,11035% Foreign Born45,080122,621148,239229% Total Population576,407812,280866,34950% Percent of Travis County Foreign-Born8%15%17%- Sources: U.S. Census 1990 & 2000; American Community Survey, 2005

8. Where do Travis County immigrants originate from?

9. What languages do Travis County immigrants speak?

10. Where do Travis County immigrants fall on the income spectrum? Source: American Community Survey, 2005

11. Where do Travis County immigrants fall on the education spectrum? Source: American Community Survey, 2005

12. Source: TCHHS/VS R&P analysis of Census 2000. Where do Travis County immigrants live?

13. In Summary: Overarching Themes  Immigrants are part of and impact the Travis County community.  Immigrants exhibit diversity in culture, socio-economic characteristics, and experiences in the U.S.  Some immigrant sub-populations have higher needs and encounter greater challenges.  Immigration systems, and the laws and policies related to them are complex, changing and frequently unclear.  Federal, state, and local authorities often disagree on who is responsible for the immigration issue.

14. What’s Next? Begin a community conversation by …  Offering questions to spark dialogue.  Inviting the community to reflect on this information and construct their own responses.  Planning a community forum (June 29, 2007).

15. 2006-2007 Immigrant Assessment Partners and Supporters Travis County Health and Human Services & Veterans Service, Research & Planning Division Community Action Network Catholic CharitiesCity of Austin Commission on Immigrant Affairs 2006 Immigrant Assessment Steering Committee

16. To Obtain Copies … The Immigrant Assessment is available for online viewing and downloading: www.co.travis.tx.us For more information, questions or comments, please contact HHS/VS Research & Planning staff: Rachel Coff: 854-3413 or rachel.coff@co.travis.tx.usrachel.coff@co.travis.tx.us Korey Darling: 854-4275 or koren.darling@co.travis.tx.uskoren.darling@co.travis.tx.us