Thursday June 27, 2024

“Never Say Never” – A Refugee Story by Ruth Koha James

My name is Ruth Koha James, and I am the Membership Coordinator at MIRA Coalition. I have been working at MIRA Coalition for exactly 4 months and 1 day. Before joining as an employee, I volunteered with MIRA’s Citizenship Clinics, where I assisted applicants in filling out their N-400 applications for naturalization.

During my interview with the MIRA leadership team for the membership coordinator position a few months ago, I was asked “Why should we consider you for this position?” My answer was and still is because my lived experiences align with MIRA’s mission and vision (to advocate for immigrants and refugees).

I am grateful to have been considered for the membership coordinator position and I am also proud to work for an inclusive organization with a diverse team. An organization that continually strives to achieve milestones and shares inspirational success stories while embracing the narratives of immigrants and refugees.

I am originally from Liberia, West Africa. I lived through the Liberian Civil War which began in late 1989. I was about 18 years old a freshman at the University of Liberia when the first face of the Liberian Civil War started. My dad was a professor in the College of Agriculture and Forestry at the University. I lived with my parents in the University staff housing on the Fendall Campus. I thought my life was all set up until one disaster- a civil war destabilized everything. ?

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MIRA Coalition’s Intro to Immigration Summer Training Series!

This four-part virtual lunch hour series will present relevant, up-to-date, and accurate information on immigration topics. You can attend all 4 trainings, or choose individual sessions. This series is open to all individuals who would like to increase their knowledge of immigration-related topics and learn about helpful resources for working with immigrant populations. This is an introductory training – no prior experience or knowledge is necessary!

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FY25 State Budget Update

The Governor filed an interim $6.9 billion budget bill last Thursday, which means that FY25 budget conference committee negotiations are unlikely to conclude before the July 1st deadline, as required by the state constitution. This is nothing new, however - state lawmakers have not completed a budget on time in 14 years! MIRA?is keeping an eye on several MIRA priorities, including funding proposals for adult English classes,? the Welcome Back Center for Internationally-educated nurses at Bunker Hill Community College, and a new policy proposal for no cost community college. We'll keep you posted!

Formal sessions end on July 31st, effectively foreclosing action on other pending bills this session for the rest of the calendar year. The next two-year session begins in January 2025.

New Report from American Immigration Council

The H-2A Temporary Agriculture Worker Program allows U.S. employers that face a shortage of domestic workers to hire foreign nationals for temporary or seasonal agricultural jobs. An American Immigration Council (the Council) analysis of Department of Labor data reveals significant demand across the country for H-2A workers. These workers have provided vital support to America's food production.

Rising Demand for H–2 Workers

Between 2017 and 2022, the number of certified H-2A workers—those who are requested by employers and then certified by the DOL—grew by 64.7 percent, from 224,965 to 370,628. This marked increase underscores the agricultural sector's increasing reliance on temporary foreign workers to fill its open jobs.

However, DOL certification of an H-2A request does not necessarily lead to the issuance of a temporary work visa. After certification, both the employer and worker must complete the USCIS approval process before the worker can begin employment in the United States. In recent years, about 80 percent of jobs certified as H-2A have resulted in visas.

Read the full report

“Celebrate America” 5th grade writing contest winner Angela Du

Massachusetts Welcomes Campaign

Join the #CourageToWelcome Campaign!

The Courage To Welcome Campaign is going strong, with immigration advocates and organizations across Massachusetts coming together to show their support. As a collective, we have the power to flip the narrative--to ensure that immigrants have the resources they need to thrive and the tools to advocate for themselves. Watch this video to see some of the people behind this work! More info here

What’s Happening At MIRA

Check out our new events calendar!

Cultural, educational, and informational events. Citizenship clinics, voter registration, NAIP info sessions, and recreational events like film screenings, cultural heritage celebrations and more. Events calendar here

Local & National News

Vanity Fair: The Global Crisis That No Border Crackdown Can Fix Read more

Boston Globe: Healey to send team to Mexico border to share realities of state’s maxed-out family shelter system Read more

NBC News: Progressives form 'Global Migration' caucus to reshape U.S. immigration debate Read more

PBS News: As immigration emerges as key election issue, experts provide insights on border situation Watch

NPR’s Consider This – Biden’s executive actions give mixed signals on immigration 10 minute Listen

Cultural Offerings: MIRA Staff Picks

This week’s MIRA Staff Pick celebrates Immigrant Heritage Month with a selection of recipes from Eat Offbeat, a catering company that staffs refugee and immigrant chefs

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How to host a newly arrived immigrant family

Consider opening up your home and hosting an individual or family in need. Many newly arrived families are in urgent need of housing due to the overwhelming demand for emergency assistance shelters, which are currently operating at full capacity. The state’s overflow and safety net centers are also at maximum capacity. Families in need are facing increasingly difficult situations as they find themselves on a waiting list for shelter assistance. We need host families to provide hospitality and accommodation for any period you are comfortable hosting, as even one night allows a family respite and comfort. Contact the Brazilian Worker Center if interested in hosting. Here is more information about what it means to become a host!