The Somerville City Council meeting held on March 20, 2025, focused on public health and safety initiatives, particularly those aimed at supporting the immigrant community through the Welcome Project's new Action for Immigrant Rights (AIR) initiative. The meeting began with a presentation on the AIR initiative, which aims to provide essential resources and information to immigrant families to help them navigate current challenges.

The Welcome Project has initiated "Know Your Rights" workshops, which are being conducted in English as a Second Language (ESOL) classes and through a team training program. These workshops have successfully educated over 1,700 participants about their rights under U.S. immigration laws. Additionally, the project plans to hold family preparedness clinics to assist families in understanding their options in the event of family separation, although these clinics will not be publicly advertised for safety reasons.

The Welcome Project is also distributing immigrant rights red cards in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole. Community feedback is being collected to ensure that the initiative continues to meet the evolving needs of constituents. The project is seeking to raise $10,000 to sustain its programs, with donations accepted through its website.

During the meeting, Director Nagel highlighted the importance of community partnerships in delivering these services. The city has conducted 48 "Know Your Rights" sessions since late December, with a focus on reaching individuals in various community settings, including churches and schools. The sessions have been conducted in the participants' native languages to foster comfort and understanding.

The council members expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the Welcome Project and its partners, noting the significant impact of these initiatives on the community's well-being. They emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses, as fear within the immigrant community has led to decreased economic activity, affecting the overall economy of Somerville.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to supporting its immigrant population through education, resources, and community engagement. The Welcome Project's AIR initiative is a critical step in addressing the challenges faced by immigrants, ensuring they have access to vital information and support. The council plans to continue discussions on these initiatives in future meetings, aiming to enhance the safety and well-being of all residents in Somerville.