The IIC believes in the Statue of Liberty's welcome to the tired, the poor and the "huddled masses yearning to breathe free." We are working to make today's immigration laws consistent with that promise so that today's immigrants can build a better life for their families and contribute to a better America for all of us -- just as our ancestors did.
Yet these newest members of US society find themselves lost
in a broken immigration system. Federal immigration laws tear families apart, subject immigrant workers to exploitation and force too many to live in a state of fear and insecurity.
We believe that the basic human rights of newcomers must be upheld if we are to honor the ideal of the US as a nation of immigrants. At the federal, state and local levels, the IIC advocates in support of legislation that upholds immigrants' rights and makes their dreams closer to reach.
"Direct service is valuable, but we could do it for the next hundred years--unless we also change policy."
--Alexandra Pineros-Shields, Professor of Immigration Policy
Press release about the triumphs of the IIC and immigration policy:
Advocates help unite immigrants--Cape Cod Times
Immigrant Rights Program
IIC collaborates with its allies to:
- Serve as one of only 10 organizations on Gov. Patricks' New Americans Agenda
- Promote fair, comprehensive federal reform of the immigration system by advocating for comprehensive immigration reform
- Defend the rights of immigrant workers
- Build a strong grassroots immigrant rights movement in Massachusetts, working in the Irish community and alongside immigrants of all nationalities
- Combat racism and discrimination through education, training, coalition building and action
More illegal immigrants are rushing to file taxes--The Sunday Globe
Quietly living the American Dream: no laws broken as illegal immigrants obtain loans, buy homes--The Boston Globe
welcoming massachusetts
Declare Massachusetts a welcoming state for immigrants by signing the pledge today.
- Date: Ongoing
- Time: Visit www.welcomingma.org for details of upcoming events and to sign the pledge
- Location: Statewide
Join with thousands of Massachusetts residents and a growing number of elected representatives and towns to sign the pledge declaring our state as a place that welcomes all. Sign the pledge at www.welcomingma.org today!