What is the Immigrant Rights Commission (IRC)?

The purpose of the IRC is to advise the Mayor and Board of Supervisors on issues and policies related to immigrants who live or work in San Francisco. The IRC was created in 1997 when the Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance No. 211-97, codified as Article XXI, Chapter 5 of the San Francisco Administrative Code (Section 5.201). The commission consists of fifteen (15) voting members, eleven (11) who are appointed by the Board of Supervisors and four (4) who are appointed by the Mayor. At least eight members must be immigrants to the United States and each member of the Commission serves for a term of two years.

What does the Immigrant Rights Commission do?

Improves, enhances, and preserves the quality of life and civic participation of all immigrants in the City and County of San Francisco.

Provides advice and makes recommendations to the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors on issues affecting immigrants working and residing in the City.

Holds annual public hearings to obtain input from the immigrant community about programs, policies, and issues that relate to immigrants who are the residents of the City and County of San Francisco.

Cooperates with and makes recommendations to other City and County departments, agencies, and commissions that administer and enforce regulations relating to health, human services, law enforcement, human rights, language access, sanctuary city ordinance, municipal identification, and all other issues that affect immigrants.

Prepares and submits to the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor an annual report on the review and evaluation of the services and programs in place for immigrants residing in San Francisco.

Develops a plan for outreach to, and education of, the public to increase public awareness of the contributions made by immigrants to the local economy, educational institutions, and other fields in San Francisco.