ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore today announced the appointment of Kamal Essaheb as senior advisor and director of immigrant affairs. The new role will lead strategic planning and policy development, in addition to overseeing community and stakeholder engagement and services management. The position will reside within the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives and will dually report to the Executive Office of the Governor.
"Kamal Essaheb has spent his career advocating for the needs and interests of immigrant communities across the nation, and we are grateful that he has raised his hand to serve Marylanders in this new role," said Gov. Moore. "Maryland is deeply proud of the rich tapestry of immigrant cultures and identities that make up our state. And under Kamal's leadership, we will continue to ensure that these communities are both seen and supported."
The Maryland General Assembly created the Governor's Office of Immigrant Affairs in 2021. The office engages with nonprofit organizations and other support program providers to help connect immigrants to resources, employment referrals, and workforce development programs. The office also develops and strengthens the connection between immigrants and immigrant communities through civic engagement.
Kamal Essaheb is a national leader on immigration policy, with experience as an attorney, in community advocacy, and in the federal government.
Essaheb most recently served at USAID, where he spearheaded the agency’s efforts to address the challenges and harness the opportunities that migration offers our country. He also served in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading visa initiatives that advance the economy's needs, while making workplaces safer for American and immigrant workers alike.
Prior to working in government, Essaheb was deputy director at the National Immigration Law Center, where he oversaw the organization’s policy, communications and litigation strategies and was instrumental to the launch of the Winning in the States initiative.
"While federal immigration laws are complex and ever-evolving, one simple fact remains true: immigrants make Maryland stronger – as our educators and caretakers, our entrepreneurs, or our neighbors," said Kamal Essaheb. "I am honored to serve the State of Maryland in this role and look forward to working with partners across the state."
Essaheb earned his J.D. from Fordham University and holds a B.A. in mathematics and economics from Queens College of the City University of New York.
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