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Recent NewsPRESS ADVISORY: Mayor Menino Joins Diverse Immigrant Community Leaders to Kick-Off Ya Es Hora!/Now is The Time! Voter Registration CampaignWhen: Tomorrow, Wednesday, 6th at 11:30 am Where: In front of Faneuil Hall, Boston, MA Read More... 70 arrests announced in ICE antigang operation Fifty-two gang members and 28 other criminals have been arrested this week as part of a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation, ICE announced today. Read More... Return to Colombia difficult for family David Arias cannot wait to turn 21, but for a different reason than most American teenagers. Read More... MIRA Commends Passage of Immigration Bill in House Judiciary Subcommittee Washington, D.C. -The United States House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law today passed H.R. 5882 by a vote of 8 to 1. Co-sponsored by Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), the legislation would reclaim old and unused visas from previous fiscal years and place them into the pool of usable visas. In addition, the legislation would create a “roll-over ” mechanism that would ensure that unused visas in subsequent fiscal years would not be lost. The resolution will now await a vote by the full House Judiciary Committee before it goes to the floor of the House of Representatives. The following is a statement by Eva A. Millona, Acting Executive Director of the MIRA Coalition: Read More... Bill adds rules for prepaid cellphones A state lawmaker wants to require all buyers of prepaid cellphones to provide their names and other information for a statewide database to help police track down criminals, a proposal that is opposed by wireless companies as unwieldy and by an advocacy group as potentially unfair to immigrants. Read More... Ill and in Pain, Detainee Dies in U.S. Hands He was 17 when he came to New York from Hong Kong in 1992 with his parents and younger sister, eyeing the skyline like any newcomer. Fifteen years later, Hiu Lui Ng was a New Yorker: a computer engineer with a job in the Empire State Building, a house in Queens, a wife who is a United States citizen and two American-born sons. Read More... PRESS STATEMENT: Governor Patrick Signs New Americans Initiative Executive Order Boston, MA - On Wednesday, July 09, 2008, Governor Deval L. Patrick signed the New Americans Agenda Executive Order. The Order launches an intensive statewide project focused on how to better integrate Massachusetts immigrant and refugee populations into the civic and economic life of the Commonwealth. Today, July 10th, at 1:00pm at Fanueil Hal, the Governor will address new Americans at a naturalization ceremony. MIRA will be conducting a voter registration drive outside the event to promote civic engagement as a vital component of American democracy. The following is a statement by Eva A. Millona, Acting Executive Director of the MIRA Coalition: Read More... Initiative Seeks to Aid Immigrants Governor Deval Patrick launched a statewide initiative yesterday to find ways to integrate immigrants into Massachusetts "as quickly as possible" at a time when their numbers are booming. Read More... Welcomed, wearily: Illinois offered aid to immigrants. Budgets intervened. MELROSE PARK, Ill. - In a yellow-brick building by the railroad tracks, the Illinois Welcoming Center is the crown jewel of a broad state initiative to help immigrants blend into mainstream America. Read More... Immigrant Communities Impacted by Legislature's Final State Budget for FY 2009 Boston, MA - The MA legislature voted on its final budget for FY 2009 . In light of the current economic challenges, the Conference Committee showed prudence in recognizing the needs of immigrant communities on several issues. The MIRA Coalition lauds the Legislature and the Conference Committee members (link) for their foresight in increasing funding for the Citizenship for New Americans and the Refugee and Immigrant Safety and Empowerment programs, among others. Read More...  New Workes, New Voters ReportFeb 14, 2008 - Today MIRA released its new report, New Workers, New Voters: Why Massachusetts Should Recruit, Retain, and Train Newcomers. The report highlights the economic and workforce challenges that face the Commonwealth, and the importance of immigrant workers in meeting those challenges.
New Report on English Skills Requirement in Greater Boston Labor MarketNovember 21 - The Boston Redevelopment Authority and the Center for Urban and Regional Policy at Northeastern University is releasing a new report on the growing need for English language proficiency in the changing labor market. The report finds that the workforce in Greater Boston is increasingly diverse ethnically and racially, and the foreign-born population has low levels of English proficiency. The study also found that the majority of jobs in the labor market to require at least medium-low English skills. Occupations requiring more language skills pay significantly more than occupations requiring less language skills, and this relationship among English skills, job availability, and wages will likely become more pronounced between now and 2014. Find out more about English language programs as an investment in the MA workforce. New Report - Impact of Immigration Raids on ChildrenWed Oct 31 - The National Council of La Raza and the Urban Institute released a new report on the impact of immigration raids on children. Featured prominently in the report is the March 6th raid at the Michael Bianco factory in New Bedford. The report, Paying the Price: The Impact of Immigration Raids on America's Children, details the consequences of raids on the children's psychological, educational, economic, and social wellbeing. MIRA and the National Association of Social Workers, MA Chapter (NASWMA) hosted a press conference on Wednesday to release this national report locally. Organizations represented included NASWMA, the MA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, UMASS Boston, the Gaston Institute, Community Economic Development Center, the MA School of Professional Psychology, and Greater Boston Legal Services. Download full report here.
De-bunking Immigration Myths"They Take Our Jobs!": And 20 Other Myths about Immigration is a timely guide that debunks the twenty-one biggest myths and stereotypes in today's immigration debate. Order your book here. Enter "MIRA" as the discount code, and receive a 10% discount! Beacon Press, the local progressive non-profit publisher is donating part of the proceeds to MIRA when you use the discount code! Please get informed while helping to support our work. Desmintiendo Mitos sobre la Inmigración "They Take Our Jobs!": And 20 Other Myths about Immigration/ "Toman nuestros trabajos!: 20 mitos acerca de la inmigracion. Es una guía actualizada que desmiente 21 mitos grandes y estereotipos en el debate actual migratorio. Order your book here/ Ordena tu libro aquí. Entracon la palabra"MIRA" para acceder al código de descuento y recibirás un 10% de descuento! en Beacon Press, la editorial local progresista sin fines de lucro que estara donando una parte proporcional a MIRA cuando uses el codigo de descuento! Por favor este informado mientras apoya nuestro trabajo!  |
Know Your RightsWhat should you do if stopped or questioned about your immigration status on the street, subway or bus? Even if you're not a citizen, you have rights under the US Constitution.What are your rights under the law? Click here to see a video produced by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. CASA of Maryland, Inc., Detention Watch Network and the National Lawyers Guild have developed the following materials:
MIRA, the ACLU and the National Lawyer's Guild have prepared the following pamphlets: If you have been stopped in public and asked for your status or social secuity #, call MIRA at 617-350-5480 ext.205, or the National Lawyers Guild at 617-227-7335. Conoce tus Derechos Que debo hacer si soy cuestionado en relación a mi estatus migratorio en la calle, el tren o el autobus? Aún sí no eres un ciudadano, tu tienes derechos de acuerdo a la Constitución de los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica. Cuales son tus derechos bajo la ley? La Unión de Libertades Civícas de America en Massachusetts (ACLU) y la Barra Nacional de Abogados (The National Lawyer's Guild) han preparado estos panfletos: Si eres detenido en público y cuestionado sobre tú estatus migratorio o número de Seguridad Social llama a MIRA al teléfono: 617-350-5480 ext.205 o en su caso también a la barra de abogados (National Lawyers Guild) al teléfono: 617-227-7335. Know Your Rights! Educational VideoVideo produced and distributed by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of LA (CHIRLA) Gov. Patrick Launches New Americans Initiative Thurs. July 10 - At a beautiful naturalization ceremony at historic Faneuil Hall in Boston, MA Governor Deval L. Patrick announced his new Executive Order launching the New Americans Initiative to commit state government to better integrate immigrant communities in Massachusetts. The New Americans Initiative, modeled after a similar approach in Illinois, calls on state officials, policy advisers, and advocates to hold a series of public meetings across the state and draft a report with policy recommendations by July 1, 2009. The meetings will be organized by the Governor's Advisory Council on Refugees and Immigrants; the Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI); MIRA; and 10 other immigrant community organizations from different regions of the Commonwealth, including Alliance to Develop Power (ADP) in Springfield, Cleghorn Neighborhood Center (CNC) in Fitchburg, Center for New Americans in Western MA, Chelsea Collaborative in Chelsea, Community Economic Development Center (CEDC) in New Bedford, Immigrants' Assistance Center in New Bedford, Irish Immigraion Center in Boston, Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (MAA Coalition) representing refugee populations statewide, ONE Lowell, in Lowell, and ROCA in Chelsea.  English Works Launch a Success!Thursday, June 26 - The English Works Campaign kicked off with a very successful launch event. Community, union, civic, and industry leaders spoke to a full audience at the Menino Pavilion at the Boston Medical Center. Speakers included Elaine Ullian, President & CEO of the Boston Medical Center, Veronica Turner-Biggs, VP of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, Rocío Sáenz, President of SEIU615, Carline Desire, Executive Director of AFAB, the Association of Haitian Women, Jesus Gerena, the Director of Community Development and Organizing at the Hyde Square Task Force, and a Co-Chair of the English for New Bostonians Initiative, BMC workers and 1199SEIU members, Ana Maria Gomes, and Carmen Mercedes, and others. Read the Editorial in the Boston Globe. Read the Press Release here. Find out more about English Works Campaign here.  Civil Rights Action: Protect Equal Access to the VoteJune 23rd- Community members and activists held a Civil Rights March from Boston's Chinatown to the State house, followed by a Speak-out in the Great Hall inside the State House. Organized by the Chinese Progressive Association, the crowd delivered letters to the Office of the Secretary of State William Galvin, to urge him to allow the City of Boston to use fully translated ballots to accomodate Chinese-American and Vietnamese-American neighborhoods and precincts. Equal access to the vote is in danger of being taken away in Boston's Chinese-speaking and Vietnamese-speaking neighborhoods. Asian American citizens in Boston will lose their equal access to the vote this November unless we come together and take a stand. Join us help protect democracy and equality. Please take a moment to call your state senator and representative, asking them to support the Boston Home Rule Petition (docket #5027) and to let the Senate President and Speaker know of their support. For more info: contact the Coalition for Asian American Voting Rights at (617) 357-4499.
 New Workers, New Voters - MIRA Advocacy Day in the DistrictWednesday, May 7th 2008 - Boston, MA - The MIRA Coalition and MIRA member organizations from the Metro-Boston area held the New Workers, New Voters Advocacy Day. Constituents and community leaders filled the hearing room at the State House, gave testimony, and provided legislators an opportunity to share their thoughts and positions on issues affecting immigrant communities in Massachusetts.MIRA also presented its new report: New Workers, New Voters: Why Massachusetts Should Recruit, Retain, and Train Newcomers. Participating organizations included East Boston Eccumenical Community Council, Jamaica Plain Community Center, Boston Center for Youth and Families, Educational Development Group, El Centro Cardinal, St. Mark Community Education Program, Haitian Multi-Service Center, Irish Immigration Center, Mujeres Unidas, Latinos United in MA (Everett), Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (Allston, Dorchester, Cambridge), SCALE Somerville, and others. Action in Lawrence, MASunday, May 4th - Over 400 families joined religious, labor, and community leaders at the Christ United Methodist Church in Lawrence, MA to support the Merrimack Valley region's immigrant and refugee communities representing over 115,000 people. Organized by the Merrimack Valley Project, the event included MIRA members, SEIU 615, Unite/HERE, ONE Lowell, and others. Participants and speakers included State Representative William Lantigua, Lwrence School Superintendent Wilfredo Laboy, and Lowell High School Headmaster William Samaras. The Merrimack Valley Project will be sending a contingent to visit legislators and officials at the State House tomorrow. National Commission on ICE Misconduct and Violations of 4th Amendment RightsBoston, MA - Monday, April 7th The National Commission on ICE Misconduct and Violation of 4th Amendment Rights held an informative and well-attended hearing at the State House on Monday. Commissioners, including Joe Hanson, President of the United Food and Commercial Workers, Former-Governor Tom Vilsack of Iowa, civil rights, and economic experts, heard testimonies from immigrant families, community leaders, clergy, business representatives, and elected officials, New Haven Mayor John DeStefano Jr., Lt Governor of MA, Tim Murray, and US Senator John Kerry. The Commission is gathering independent information and analysis through a series of regional public hearings that will explore the execution, implications, and ramifications of ICE enforcement actions. The Commission will look into claims that ICE has engaged in Constitutional violations of the 4th Amendment.After throrough investigation, the Commission will produce a public report that highlights its findings and make recommendations to ensure Constitutional protection for everyone.  Video: A Dream DeferredWhat happens to a dream deferred? MIRA collaborated with Brave New Films to bring you this video and blog, A Dream Deferred. Every year, dedicated high-school students are denied the chance to attend college, based solely on their undocumented status. This website is a place for these students to tell their story anonymously, and an opportunity for you to do something. Video: Immigration RaidOn February 7, 2008 Immigrations Customs Enforcement (ICE) called the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) to announce that there would be a raid "somewhere in Van Nuys, California." Asserting that the call was an effort to follow "humanitarian" protocol, what followed was hardly humanitarian in nature. Produced by Anike Tourse, directed by Alberto Barboza, edited by Ian Mayberry. Check out more videos at CHIRLAVIDEOS. Check out videos on the immigration raid in New Bedford by Jenny Alexander. |
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Fair Opportunity for Immigrant StudentsDownload these handy informational factsheets: 1. In-State Tuition Basic Facts 2. Education Parity for Immigrant Students in MA (FACT SHEET) Read more about Oppotunities for Higher Education Upcoming EventsWednesday August 27 , 2008
EOHHS Budget Hearings
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The Executive Office of Health and Human Services will be holding budgetary hearings next week to hear from community members and advocates about a variety of issues. Come and testify about the need for increased funding for the Citizenship for New Americans program, the RISE program, restoration of funding for food stamps for legal immigrants and maintaining the funding for Outreach and Education regarding health reform. Wednesday, August 27th 1pm-5pm at Reggie Lewis Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Roxbury, MA Thursday, August 28th, 10am-2pm at Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 West Columbus Avenue, Springfield, MA
Thursday August 28 , 2008
Voter Registration at Faneuil Hall
Friday August 29 , 2008
Centro Latino de Chelsea: Free Citizenship Workshops
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Centro Latino is offering two monthly workshops. One will help eligible immigrants complete the naturalization process. The other will help new American citizens to become active members of their community Date: Fridays (see below for details) Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: Centro Latino de Chelsea, 267 Broadway, Chelsea, MA 02150
Workshop Dates for Aspiring Citizens: February 15, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 6, July 11, August 8, September 5, October 3, October 31
Workshops Dates for New Citizens: February 1, February 29, March 28, April 25, May 23, June 20, July 25, August 22, September 19, October 17
For more information please contact Daisy Gonzales at 617-884-3238 ext. 218 or dgonzales@centrolatino.org. Advanced registration is required. Thursday September 4 , 2008
Voter Registration at Faneuil Hall
Saturday September 6 , 2008
Lowell Know Your Rights training
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What you need to know about Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) raids and detentions Training for Community Members and Providers Saturday, September 6, 2008, 2-4pm Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA), 120 Cross St, Lowell, MA For more information contact: MIRA Coalition: 617-350-5480 x217, CMAA 978-454-6200 or LCHC 978-746-7828 Brought to you by: Deported Diaspora, MIRA, Neighborhood Legal Services, Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association, Lowell Community Health Center, ONE Lowell and United Teen Equality Center (UTEC) Sunday September 7 , 2008
Immigration, Domestic Violence and Drug Abuse Seminar
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Center for Haitian American Civic Rights, Inc (CHACR), Community Connections of Brockton, Massachusetts Community Health Services in Brockton (MCHS) and Center Haitian American Intertional Women Services in Randolph, MA (CHAIWS) invite the community of Brockton and surrounding areas to an informative seminar regarding: Immigration Domestic Violence Drug Abuse The seminar will take place on Sunday, September 7, 2008 from 5PM to 8PM at the Holiday Inn, 195 Westgate Drive, Brockton, MA For more information contact: CHACR 508-894-4907, CC of Brockton 508-583-5631, MCHS 508-427-6671 and CHAIWS 781-308-6001 or 781-767-7478. Wednesday September 10 , 2008
Voter Registration at Moakley Court House (Boston)
Thursday September 11 , 2008
Voter Registration at Moakley Court House (Boston)
Friday September 12 , 2008
Brockton MIRA Members Meeting
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Time: 9:30am-11am Location: Brockton, MA For more information, please contact Ellen Gallagher at egallagher@miracoalition.org or 671-350-5480 x217.
Centro Latino de Chelsea: Free Citizenship Workshops
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Centro Latino is offering two monthly workshops. One will help eligible immigrants complete the naturalization process. The other will help new American citizens to become active members of their community Date: Fridays (see below for details) Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: Centro Latino de Chelsea, 267 Broadway, Chelsea, MA 02150
Workshop Dates for Aspiring Citizens: February 15, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 6, July 11, August 8, September 5, October 3, October 31
Workshops Dates for New Citizens: February 1, February 29, March 28, April 25, May 23, June 20, July 25, August 22, September 19, October 17
For more information please contact Daisy Gonzales at 617-884-3238 ext. 218 or dgonzales@centrolatino.org. Advanced registration is required. Monday September 15 , 2008
Lowell MIRA Members Meeting
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Time: 9:30am-11am Location: Lowell, MA For more information, please contact Ellen Gallagher at egallagher@miracoalition.org or 617-350-5480 x217.
Wednesday September 17 , 2008
Voter Registration at Fenway Park
Friday September 26 , 2008
Centro Latino de Chelsea: Free Citizenship Workshops
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Centro Latino is offering two monthly workshops. One will help eligible immigrants complete the naturalization process. The other will help new American citizens to become active members of their community Date: Fridays (see below for details) Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: Centro Latino de Chelsea, 267 Broadway, Chelsea, MA 02150
Workshop Dates for Aspiring Citizens: February 15, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 6, July 11, August 8, September 5, October 3, October 31
Workshops Dates for New Citizens: February 1, February 29, March 28, April 25, May 23, June 20, July 25, August 22, September 19, October 17
For more information please contact Daisy Gonzales at 617-884-3238 ext. 218 or dgonzales@centrolatino.org. Advanced registration is required. Friday October 10 , 2008
Centro Latino de Chelsea: Free Citizenship Workshops
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Centro Latino is offering two monthly workshops. One will help eligible immigrants complete the naturalization process. The other will help new American citizens to become active members of their community Date: Fridays (see below for details) Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: Centro Latino de Chelsea, 267 Broadway, Chelsea, MA 02150
Workshop Dates for Aspiring Citizens: February 15, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 6, July 11, August 8, September 5, October 3, October 31
Workshops Dates for New Citizens: February 1, February 29, March 28, April 25, May 23, June 20, July 25, August 22, September 19, October 17
For more information please contact Daisy Gonzales at 617-884-3238 ext. 218 or dgonzales@centrolatino.org. Advanced registration is required. Friday October 24 , 2008
Centro Latino de Chelsea: Free Citizenship Workshops
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Centro Latino is offering two monthly workshops. One will help eligible immigrants complete the naturalization process. The other will help new American citizens to become active members of their community Date: Fridays (see below for details) Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: Centro Latino de Chelsea, 267 Broadway, Chelsea, MA 02150
Workshop Dates for Aspiring Citizens: February 15, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 6, July 11, August 8, September 5, October 3, October 31
Workshops Dates for New Citizens: February 1, February 29, March 28, April 25, May 23, June 20, July 25, August 22, September 19, October 17
For more information please contact Daisy Gonzales at 617-884-3238 ext. 218 or dgonzales@centrolatino.org. Advanced registration is required. Become a MIRA MemberJoin the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition! MIRA is the only statewide organization that unites community organizations, human service providers, civic and religious leaders, state and local agencies, and legal and labor groups to work together to uphold the rights and opportunities of newcomers. We also work to connect local activists with national policy debates that impact immigrants' lives. Click here for a membership form. If you have any questions about MIRA or becoming a MIRA member, please contact Fatima Lopez at 617.350.5480 Ext. 218. Give Liberty A Hand 2008June 11, 2008 - MIRA's annual fundraising event, Give Liberty A Hand, was a great success. Thank you fo all the donors and guests who attended, and to all the sponsors and volunteers who made the event possible. Every year, Give Liberty A Hand honors those in the Commonwealth who day in, day out, work to Give Liberty A Hand – working at multiple levels to protect and promote the rights and opportunities of immigrants and refugees. This year, the award recipients were:
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