Primary Department: Purchasing
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Paige McInnis
Secondary Department: Housing and Community Development
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official: Thao Costis
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Contract - Renewal
Project ID (if applicable): 230184
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): BakerRipley; Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project; and Justice for All Immigrants
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): 0%
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): 0%
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: 0% - Specialized, Technical, or Unique in Nature
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable):
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Choose an item.
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request for approval of a renewal option with BakerRipley in the amount of $566,667; Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project, $566,667; and Justice for All Immigrants, $566,667 for Immigration & Naturalization Services Fund for the Housing and Community Development Department for the period of October 10, 2025 - October 9, 2026 (230184), Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: 0% - Specialized, Technical, or Unique in Nature.
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Background and Discussion:
There are approximately 424,000 Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) in Harris County (per 2020 census), most
of whom are likely already eligible for naturalization (eligibility for citizenship is typically three or five years
after obtaining residence). There are more LPRs in Harris County than there are naturalized citizens (33% vs.
29% of foreign-born population). Residents can still be deported or lose status if they don't become citizens.
Naturalization also offers more economic opportunities and the chance to participate in democracy (voting,
running for office, jury duty). A Stanford study found that removing the cost barrier for naturalization ($760
to file per person) dramatically increases the l...
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