The City Council held a hearing Monday to discuss just how effective immigrant services are in Brooklyn.

Officials say it's up to the city to ensure that immigrants and their families can climb the ladder of social and economic opportunities. Representatives from the Department of Youth and Community Development say learning English is the most important aspect for Brooklyn immigrants when it comes to feeling at home in New York. In addition to making ESL classes available, immigrants also find affordable legal services important, according to members of Catholic Charities.

Council members say funding the immigrant services initiative continues to be a priority. They say another focus is working to get that money to the people of Brooklyn.