MIRA: Immigration Day a success

Immigrants’ Day was a huge success! Now we fight on

We had more than 1,600 registered participants and made a big splash at the State House. So let’s celebrate… and keep up the good work

Thank you so much for your support and for showing up to our biggest ever Immigrants' Day at the State House. We had more than 1,600 registered for the event and boy, was the Hall of Flags packed! It was incredible to see so many faces from across the state there and buzzing around the State House meeting with legislators. All of this happened because YOU showed up, and we are so grateful.

Read our wrap-up of the event, look at our photos, and check out some of our media coverage:
• On Immigrants’ Day, advocates urge legislators to pass ‘sanctuary state’ bill (Boston Globe)
• Immigrants Day held in Boston (NECN and NBC Boston)
• Safe Communities Act may force Beacon Hill to weigh in on immigration (State House News Service)

But the fight for immigrant rights is not over, there is still so much that needs to be done.

First, if you were at Immigrants’ Day, we need you to fill out this survey on how you visit with your legislator went (so we know who to target with more education).

Second, we have some postcards left! If you want to get some to write messages to legislators you haven’t reached, or to Governor Baker, let us know and we'll get you a bunch.

Third, be ready to help us advocate for key items in the state budget – and fight anti-immigrant amendments (see below).

Fourth, save May 1 on your calendar – there will be a big rally for #UnDiaSinInmigrantes.

Thank you again for all of your hard work and dedication! It is only by your efforts that we will make Massachusetts a safe place for ALL people.

In solidarity,

– MIRA Organizing Team

State House update

The Safe Communities Act has the attention of state legislators and is currently before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. We anticipate that the Committee will hold a hearing on the bill this summer, which gives us time to educate legislators and the public about this complex bill and the issues that make statewide legislation so essential.

If we can get two thirds of each chamber to commit to voting in favor of the bill – our next project – we will have a veto-proof majority, which will convince State House leadership the public has their back. Keep us posted on your visits with state legislators – and remember, you can always offer MIRA’s expertise. We are a phone call away! We will be making legislative visits too, but remember, legislators listen to their constituents’ concerns. Your voices count more than ours do!

Upcoming advocacy opportunities: The House Ways and Means committee releases its proposed budget this Monday, April 10th, followed by three days of amendment filing, both pro- and anti-immigrant. We will need your help calling on state legislators to support pro-immigrant budget amendments calling for more funds for programs that serve immigrants and refugees, and to oppose the anti-immigrant budget amendments seeking to exclude and punish immigrants and refugees.