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Press Statement: U.S. Supreme Court Stops Misuse of “Identity Theft” Law against Undocumented Immigrants The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy
Coalition (MIRA) applauds the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision yesterday in Flores-Figueroa v. United States, which
rejected government attempts to stretch criminal law in prosecutions of
immigrant workers. Federal authorities
have been charging immigrant workers who use false documents to secure
employment with aggravated identity theft, a charge that carries a mandatory 2
year prison sentence. The Supreme Court
ruling means that immigrants cannot be convicted under the statute unless they
knew that the documents in question belonged to another person. Read More... The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) applauds the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision yesterday in Flores-Figueroa v. United States, which rejected government attempts to stretch criminal law in prosecutions of immigrant workers. Federal authorities have been charging immigrant workers who use false documents to secure employment with aggravated identity theft, a charge that carries a mandatory 2 year prison sentence. The Supreme Court ruling means that immigrants cannot be convicted under the statute unless they knew that the documents in question belonged to another person. Read More... Massachusetts Mourns Binghamton Victims The MIRA Coalition and the immigrant communities of Massachusetts would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the families and the Binghamton community in wake of this horrific tragedy. Read More... PS NY Times Confirms Obama's Commitment to Immigration Reform In a front page lead story today, The New York Times confirmed President Obama’s intention to reform immigration this year. A senior administration official told the paper of the president’s commitment to build “an orderly system,” including finding a way to bring undocumented workers onto the path of legalization. “He intends to start the debate this year,” said the official, Cecilia Muñoz, deputy assistant to the president and director of the White House’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Read More... Press Statement: President Obama Reiterates Promise for Immigration Reform Boston, MA – Earlier today, President Obama met with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to discuss the issue of immigration reform. During the meeting, President Obama reiterated his support for comprehensive immigration reform and announced that he will make a public statement in May that will lay out his plans for a just and humane reform. Read More... PS New Administration, Same Old Destructive Immigration Enforcement Tactics Boston, MA- Yesterday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents descended on an engine remanufacturing plant in Bellingham, Washington, 2 hours north of Seattle. ICE arrested 28 people, including 3 mothers, from Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala, put them in handcuffs and then into deportation proceedings. Read More... Press Release: Mayor, English Works Campaign Award 11 Businesses and Labor Management Partnerships for Support of English language classes for Immigrant Workforce Boston – On February 18th, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the English Works Campaign awarded the first 'City of Boston/ English Works Campaign Certificate of Recognition' to 11 unique local businesses and labor management partnerships for their support of English language classes for immigrants in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Other key labor, community, and educational partners were also recognized. Read More... MIRA Press Statement: No Place for Racial Profiling Boston, MA – The New York Times recently printed an article concerning the enforcement efforts of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. According to the article, the focus of ICE’s work has been to track down and arrest people with criminal records, the number of people arrested who do not have criminal records has risen to 40 percent. Yet, the amount of funding allocated to this department by Congress has grown to $625 million dollars. Read More... Press Statement: Immigrant Community Celebrates Obama's Signing of New Children's Health Bill Boston, MA - Late this afternoon, President Obama will sign into law the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA), which reauthorizes the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). CHIPRA includes the Legal Immigrant Children's Health Improvement Act (ICHIA), which gives states the option to lift the 5-year waiting period on new, legal immigrant children and pregnant women to make them eligible for Medicaid and SCHIP. Read More... Press Statement: Immigrant Communities React to New Boston, MA – On Friday, January 30th, Janet Napolitano, the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), issued a series of directives to review and assess many of the agencies policies with regard to immigration and border security. 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 - 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.
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. 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!  Reform Immigration for America The Campaign to
Reform Immigration for
The campaign connects people from communities across the country who are ready to work together towards achieving the 279 votes needed to win just and humane comprehensive immigration reform legislation: 218 votes in the House of Representatives, 60 votes in the Senate, and one signature from the President.
Now, it is time to
join forces! And MIRA will be On the Road to 279 Tour across
MIRA's Organizing team will be visiting you and your
organization and your participation is crucial to pass the reform this year!
Please R.S.V.P and join our
organizing team!
WORCESTER &
REGION 7pm Co-sponsor by July 8 5pm 25
For additional information and to R.S.V.P., please contact Marcony Almeida (Director or Organizing) at 617-350-5480, ext. 205 (malmeida@miracoalition.org) or Erik Balsbaugh (Campaign Organizer) at 617-350-5480, ext. 207 (ebalsbaugh@miracoalition.org). Give Liberty a Hand 2009
MIRA’s annual Give Liberty a Hand Gala, which took place this past Tuesday, June 2nd, was a huge success. This event honored those in the community who, day in and day out, fight for the rights and opportunities of immigrants and refugees. This year we honored four individuals, Milagros Abreu, Robert J. Hildreth, Maria Jobin-Leeds, and Martha Vasconcellos and one foundation, the Four Freedoms Fund. During this difficult economic climate the support and dedication of individuals, foundations, elected-officials, and public and private organizations regarding the well being of refugees and immigrants in the Commonwealth was stronger than ever.
On the Road to 279: Pittsfield
On June 18th, MIRA’s On the Road to 279 Tour
Across New England came to the
English Works Campaign Turns One
On June 25, the English Works Campaign had its One Year Anniversary meeting. Over 25 members attended the meeting and celebration. This unique coalition, which focuses on English proficiency for immigrants as a tool for economic self-sufficiency, has been a great success so far. We look forward to its continued achievements in the years to come. Please find more information about the Campaign here. |
Local Community Leaders Launch National Effort to Reform Immigration For America
FY10 State Budget UpdateImmigrants' Day at the State House 2009Four hundred MIRA members and allies from across Massachusetts gathered at the legislative building’s Grand Staircase on Wednesday morning, May 6, 2009,
New Americans AgendaOn Wednesday Feb. 18 MIRA members Alliance to Develop Power (ADP) and Center for New Americans hosted the Western Massachusetts New Americans Agenda public meeting in Springfield. The meeting was a terrific event with a turnout of over 340 people. Participants formed small discussion groups, with a trained community member facilitating. The great crowd represented the ethnic diversity of greater Springfield, with participants from Central and South America, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Participants covered a wide range of important topics from workplace discrimination, to the need for increased ESOL classes, to greater support for immigrant students. Thank you to Alliance to Develop Power (ADP) and Center for New Americans for such a wonderful event. ICHIA Passes Senate as Part of SCHIP Reauthorization: On to Conference and President Obama!Last night the U.S. Senate approved the Immigrant Children's Health Improvement Act (ICHIA) as part of the 2009 Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA - H.R.2). The vote was by a comfortable, bipartisan margin of 66 - 32, with nine Republicans joining the Democrats. Senator Kennedy was not able to vote. Please scroll down for the roll call results. CHIPRA goes to House-Senate conferees next week to iron out differences between their respective versions of the bill, and then the final bill will go to the President, who has expressed strong support. Thank you, thank you all for your work! Advocates across the country took to their phones and computers to educate Senators about the vital importance to children's health of passing ICHIA. For the first time since 1996, ICHIA provides states with an option to use federal funding to cover lawfully-residing immigrant children and pregnant women during their first five years in the U.S., through Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (now called CHIP). The bill also eliminates barriers to health care for immigrant children and pregnant women with sponsors. There are a few differences between the bill passed last night by the Senate, and the version passed by the House earlier this month, although both versions contain ICHIA. One difference between the bills is a Senate amendment that relates to re-determination of immigration status of ICHIA beneficiaries in states that take up this option. The amendment, sponsored by Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) and passed by voice vote in the Senate Finance Committee mark-up, requires that during a state's regular eligibility redetermination process, states ensure that noncitizen beneficiaries continue to have an immigration status that making them eligible for the program. This and other differences between the House and Senate versions are expected to be resolved fairly easily and quickly early next week. House leadership may accept the Senate-passed version, and then take that back to the House floor for passage. Once the House and Senate agree, the President is expected to sign the bill into law. Please thank the Senators who supported ICHIA, and also the Democratic leaders - especially Senators Reid, Durbin, Baucus, and Rockefeller -- who led the majority in passing this landmark legislation. Thanks again for helping to improve access to health care for children and pregnant women. We look forward to working with you to ensure that states pick up this option and to continue improving access to care. Click on link it text to see how your Senators voted. Contact Information: Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
Leave Harmful and Ineffective Anti-Immigrant Enforcement Measures Out of Economic StimulusThe House Appropriations Committee made a serious mistake when it approved an amendment to the stimulus bill (the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) that would require all businesses and other public or private "entities" that contract to receive money from the stimulus package to use the flawed federal Basic Pilot/E-Verify program. This will not only delay use of stimulus funds, but will hurt millions of workers. It should be stripped from the bill. If you have any question, please contact Sarang Sekhavat at ssekhavat@miracoalition.org Know Your Rights! Educational VideoVideo produced and distributed by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of LA (CHIRLA)  Welcoming-MA-Press-Event-12-16-Press-Release.pdf
 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 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. |
Quick Links
Upcoming EventsWednesday July 8 - 9 , 2009
Teaching Immigration Across the Curriculum
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Summer Forum 2009“Teaching Immigration across the Curriculum”July 8 and 9, 2009 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Professional Development for TeachersTwice a year, The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. offers free, two-day forums for K-12 and community educators entitled “Teaching Immigration across the Curriculum”. For more information, visit the Immigrant Learning Center's website. For further information, contact Marcia Hohn at The Immigrant Learning Center 781-322-9777 or mhohn@ilctr.org
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 Marcony Almeida at 617.350.5480 Ext. 205.  |
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for the 14th annual Immigrants’ Day at the State House. The gathering was an impressive sight in an elegant setting, with media outlets and legislative staff attending to take note of the message. Thanks to all the community members, advocates and elected officials who came to advocate for funding and legislation, and a special thanks to all the speakers: