On March 18, 2026, something remarkable happened at the Massachusetts State House. More than 1,200 people filled Gardner Auditorium and its corridors — a record attendance for MIRA Coalition’s annual Immigrants’ Day at the State House, now in its 30th year. In a political moment defined by fear and uncertainty for immigrant communities, the message was unmistakable: we are here, we are heard, and we are not afraid.
Less than two weeks later, the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted 134–21 to pass the Protect Act.
A Community United
This year’s theme, Courage Over Fear, could not have been more fitting. As 2026 opened with a wave of fear rippling through immigrant communities across the country, Massachusetts community members and advocates chose to show up in force — with a clear message for their elected officials. The energy in the room was palpable from the moment the BVocal Choir opened the morning with song, setting a tone of joy, resilience, and solidarity that carried through the entire day.
Powerful Voices on Stage
The speaking program brought together some of the Commonwealth’s most prominent leaders standing with immigrant communities. Governor Maura Healey and Senate President Karen Spilka addressed the crowd alongside House Leader Carlos González, State Senator Cindy Friedman, and State Representative Judith García. Their presence sent a strong signal: Massachusetts’ elected leadership sees and stands with its immigrant residents.
Community leaders spoke to what is truly at stake. Lenita Reason of the Brazilian Worker Center shared her own story of going through the U.S. immigration process, becoming a citizen after 17 years: “When you tell somebody to ‘Get in line,’ make sure you know how long the line is.” Jen Ziskin of Massachusetts Restaurants United spoke to the economic contributions of immigrant workers. Pablo Ruíz of 32BJ spoke about the impact of fear of detention and deportation on community members. Pastor Keke of True Alliance gave voice to the experiences of families living through this moment.
A Record 90 Legislative Meetings
After the morning program, participants did what Immigrants’ Day is truly built for: they went to talk to their legislators. This year, advocates facilitated a record 90 legislative meetings — the most in the event’s 30-year history. Constituents from across Massachusetts sat across from their elected representatives and made the case for the Protect Act and other pro-immigrant legislation, putting lived experience directly in front of decision-makers.
Ninety meetings. Hundreds of voices. One clear ask: Protect Massachusetts Communities.
And Then: A Historic Vote
The work of March 18 did not end when people left the State House. It carried forward — into offices, into phone calls, into continued advocacy — and yesterday, it produced results. The Massachusetts House of Representatives voted 134–21 to pass the Protect Act.
The need for this legislation has never been more urgent. In just a three-month period, MIRA’s Immigration Helpline has seen an 83% increase in calls from residents seeking guidance — whether navigating their legal options, locating loved ones after a detention, or avoiding notario fraud. In Boston alone, approximately 30,000 residents are eligible to become U.S. citizens, and 1 in 10 residents is already a naturalized citizen. Citizenship remains the strongest legal protection against deportation and family separation.
In just eight months in 2025, we reached more than 5,000 Boston residents through live Know Your Rights trainings — and thousands more through recorded sessions. People are hungry for accurate, trusted information, and that hunger is a measure of how much is at stake.
What Organizing Makes Possible
Yesterday’s vote is an important example of what happens when we organize — something that can feel hard to believe when so much around us seems to prioritize profits over people, and when some in positions of power are so clearly unwilling to use it to benefit anyone beyond themselves.
Thank you to the Black and Latino Caucus for introducing this bill. To all our partners in the Protecting Massachusetts Communities Coalition for the collaborative advocacy we have engaged in these past months. To the community leaders, advocates, and organizers who tirelessly fight for justice. To every community member who showed up, courageously shared their story, and held our legislators accountable. And to the 134 legislators who voted yes, for listening and taking action. If you’d like to sign on to or compose a letter of thanks to your legislators, check back to MIRA’s website soon for access to a convenient email tool.
Why It Matters — and What Comes Next
Thirty years ago, MIRA Coalition launched Immigrants’ Day at the State House on a simple premise: that immigrant communities deserve to be seen and heard by those who make the laws affecting their lives. Three decades later, that premise feels more urgent than ever.
This year’s record turnout — and the vote that followed — is proof that the immigrant community and its allies in Massachusetts are not retreating. They are organizing. They are advocating. They are showing up with courage. And our elected leaders are responding.
The Protect Act now heads to the Senate. We don’t yet have a timeline for a vote, but we will keep you informed every step of the way. Your continued advocacy will be critical to ensuring the Senate acts and gets this bill across the finish line.
To every person who traveled to Boston, waited in security lines, and walked the halls of the State House on March 18: you helped make this happen.
The work continues. But today, we celebrate.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”
– Margeret Mead