Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition
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PRESS STATEMENT: A Nation of Immigrants, A Commonwealth of New Americans

Source: MIRA
Author: MIRA
Date: May 5th 2008
5/ 5/2008 4:53 pm - Boston, MA - The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported that of all births in MA, the percentage of babies born to immigrant mothers has nearly doubled since 1989, from 14% to 27%, while the foreign-born make up around 14% of the general MA population. In Massachusetts, the percentage of children born to immigrant mothers varied sharply by race and ethnicity, accounting for 12 percent of all white infants, 88 percent of Asian babies, and almost half of Hispanic and black babies. The following is a statement by Eva Millona, Acting Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA):

PRESS STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, May 05, 2008

Contact:

Shuya Ohno, MIRA Coalition: cell: (617) 821-8990

Eva Millona, MIRA Coalition: (617) 350-5480 EXT211

 

 

A Nation of Immigrants, A Commonwealth of New Americans

 

 

 

Boston, MA - The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported that of all births in MA, the percentage of babies born to immigrant mothers has nearly doubled since 1989, from 14% to 27%, while the foreign-born make up around 14% of the general MA population. In Massachusetts, the percentage of children born to immigrant mothers varied sharply by race and ethnicity, accounting for 12 percent of all white infants, 88 percent of Asian babies, and almost half of Hispanic and black babies. The following is a statement by Eva Millona, Acting Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA):

 

 

 

“The United States is a nation of immigrants, and Massachusetts continues to be a Commonwealth of New Americans. Almost one out of every three new child born in our state today has an immigrant parent. These parents are an important and growing component of our Massachusetts family. Our state should not only embrace its immigrant families, but should also ensure that all children in MA have access to quality healthcare and education.”

 

 

“Massachusetts has been facing a declining native population, a large baby-boomer generation that is entering retiring age, and a steady outflow of college graduates. There is now concern that the 2010 census may force Massachusetts to lose a US Congressional seat. If not for immigrant families settling in our state, Massachusetts would have already seen a large decline in its workforce. Massachusetts needs its young immigrant families to ensure a thriving community, workforce, and economy.”

 

 

“The new figures provide a window into the future of what Massachusetts will look like. Our Commonwealth has an opportunity today to embrace and welcome immigrant families with broad policy initiatives that help integrate newcomers and new Americans for full participation in the civic, cultural, and economic life of the Commonwealth. We need to invest in the health and education of all of our children, irrespective of their race or background, for they are literally the future of our state.”

 

 

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MIRA works to advocate for the rights and opportunities of immigrants and refugees. In partnership with its members, MIRA advances this mission through education, training, leadership development, organizing, policy analysis and advocacy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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