For generations, immigrants have been the backbone of Maryland’s economy, culture, and communities. Yet, despite their contributions, many face barriers to healthcare, education, and fair employment opportunities—not to mention the constant fear of deportation and discrimination. It’s time for Maryland to lead the way in immigration reform by passing policies that protect, support, and uplift our immigrant neighbors.
The Challenges Immigrants Face in Maryland
Lack of Legal Protections – Immigrant families live in fear of being separated due to ICE enforcement in schools, hospitals, and workplaces.
Barriers to Healthcare – Many undocumented residents are unable to access affordable healthcare, leading to untreated illnesses and health disparities.
Limited Educational & Workforce Opportunities – Despite being a vital part of our workforce, immigrants often struggle to gain access to higher education, job training, and small business support.
Public Safety Concerns – Many immigrants hesitate to report crimes or seek help out of fear of deportation, which weakens trust between law enforcement and the community.
The Maryland Immigrant Protection & Opportunity Act
As a State Delegate candidate for District 25, I am committed to fighting for a bold and compassionate immigration reform bill.
Maryland Immigrant Protection & Opportunity Act
Created by: Anthony Tilghman
SECTION 1: PURPOSE
To enhance legal protections, economic opportunities, healthcare access, and public safety for Maryland’s immigrant communities while ensuring fair treatment, due process, and community integration.
SECTION 2: LEGAL PROTECTIONS & PRIVACY RIGHTS
1️⃣ Limit ICE Access to State Data
• Prohibit state and local agencies from sharing personal data with federal immigration authorities without a judicial warrant.
• Restrict ICE from conducting enforcement operations at sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, places of worship, and courthouses.
2️⃣ Statewide Office of Immigrant Affairs
• Establish a Maryland Office of Immigrant Affairs to provide legal assistance, social services, and language access programs.
• Provide state-funded legal representation for undocumented individuals facing deportation.
SECTION 3: EXPANDING HEALTHCARE ACCESS
- Medicaid Expansion for Immigrant Families
• Allow low-income undocumented residents to access state-funded healthcare services.
• Expand community health grants to immigrant-serving clinics. - Language Access in Healthcare
- • Require all state-funded hospitals & clinics to provide interpretation services and multilingual health materials.
SECTION 4: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION
1. Pathways to Economic Opportunity
• Create a Workforce Training Program to assist immigrants in high-demand industries (construction, healthcare, IT).
• Provide grants for immigrant-owned small businesses and entrepreneurship training.
2. Higher Education Access
• Expand in-state tuition eligibility for undocumented students.
• Offer state financial aid for DACA & undocumented students attending Maryland colleges.
SECTION 5: PUBLIC SAFETY & COMMUNITY INTEGRATION
Community Policing & Trust
• Prohibit local law enforcement from entering 287(g) agreements (which deputize police as ICE agents).
• Require cultural competency training for police officers serving immigrant communities.
Protection for Crime Victims
• Strengthen U-Visa & T-Visa support services for undocumented victims of crime & human trafficking.
• The Office of Immigrant Affairs will oversee implementation & compliance.
📢 It’s time to make Maryland a true leader in immigration reform!
Elect me and Let’s make this bill a reality.