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Board highlights refugees, marks Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs anniversary
Summary
Supervisors recognized World Refugee Awareness Month and the first anniversary of the county Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, praised local resettlement work and urged continued support and legal protection for refugees and immigrants.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors used a morning presentation to mark World Refugee Awareness Month and to recognize the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) on its first anniversary.
Vice Chair Katrina Foley, Supervisor Janet Wynne and others spoke about the county’s immigrant and refugee communities, highlighting contributions to the local economy and cultural life. OIRA Director Jose Serrano said the office helped nearly 5,000 residents in its first year through direct services, including referrals for immigration assistance, food aid and housing support. Serrano also cited statewide refugee and immigrant tax contributions reported by his office.
Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento urged county support for legal protections and welcomed refugees, recalling Senate Bill 54 as part of residents’ protections and noting local resources concentrated in Santa Ana and Anaheim. The board encouraged residents and community partners to continue offering services and to help refugees access housing, legal services and employment assistance.
No formal policy action was taken during the recognition; the board asked staff and OIRA to continue outreach and resource coordination and noted OIRA’s role connecting residents with county services.
