Montgomery County has appointed Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo, executive director of ACLAMO, as its first director of immigrant affairs, writes Katie Bernard for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Jiménez-Arévalo, a longtime advocate for Latino and immigrant communities, will lead efforts to support and engage Montgomery County’s growing immigrant population.
“My journey from Caracas (Venezuela) to Norristown began 27 years ago,” she said. “Since then, I have dedicated my life to making sure that everyone who makes Montgomery County home feels welcome and supported to thrive and achieve great things.”
Jiménez-Arévalo has led ACLAMO for a decade, providing bilingual services such as education, maternal health clinics, and housing assistance. She has also hosted “know your rights” events for immigrants, regardless of legal status.
Commissioner Neil Makhija praised her as “an extraordinary leader” who will help serve the county’s more than 100,000 foreign-born residents. Commissioner Jamila Winder highlighted her impact in expanding ACLAMO’s reach.
Jiménez-Arévalo’s hiring comes amid heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. While Montgomery County has not passed policies limiting cooperation with federal authorities, officials aim to ensure that immigrants feel safe and supported. She begins her role in March.
Read more about Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo’s new appointment in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
