Historic Massachusetts Victory for Tuition Equity!

MIRA Coalition and our partners are celebrating a huge step forward for Massachusetts!  

On Monday, the Massachusetts House and Senate voted to enact a $56.2 billion FY24 budget that included long-sought legislation extending eligibility for in-state tuition and state-funded financial aid to undocumented students. The new law will enable thousands of eligible undocumented students to realize their dreams of going to college. 

Students who have attended a Massachusetts high school for 3 years or more and obtained a degree will be eligible for in-state tuition and state-funded financial aid. Once the budget is signed by Governor Healey, Massachusetts will join 23 other states and Washington DC with similar laws or policies on the books. (Fun fact: Texas was the first, in 2001.)



This historic development culminates 20 years of struggle to achieve access to public higher education for undocumented high school students here, historically led by impacted youth leaders of Stories Inspiring Movements (SIM) and by organizations including MIRA, the East Boston Ecumenical Community Center (EBECC), Brazilian Worker Center and many others who backed the legislation in 2003.



Advanced in the 2004 budget but vetoed by then-governor Romney, and later defeated in a 2006 floor vote, the legislation has been filed every session since. The current budget initiative was supported by the Massachusetts Tuition Equity Movement (MTEC) and MIRA, and an additional 80 other organizations who signed on to a letter of support in June.

We are grateful to the countless students, advocates, guidance counselors, and higher education leaders who kept this legislation alive session after session, and to the current Massachusetts legislature who delivered it at long last, cementing our state’s commitment to making our Commonwealth a place where immigrants can help build a prosperous future for all.

We are especially grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka for initiating this budget initiative, to House Speaker Ronald Mariano, Ways and Means Chairs Michael Rodrigues and Aaron Michlewitz for shepherding it to victory, and to bill sponsors House Majority Leader Michael Moran, Senator Brendan Crighton, Representative Adrian Madaro, and Senator Liz Miranda for their longstanding advocacy for our Commonwealth’s immigrant communities.

MIRA will be sharing updates and resources as this legislation is brought online over the coming months. Stay tuned!

~ The MIRA Team

We're looking for Volunteers

Immigrant Assistance Service Program (IAS)

This past spring, MIRA received a grant from the state to run an Immigrant Assistance Services Program, which provides limited case management and legal assistance to migrants residing in a number of Emergency Assistance Shelters in MA.



We could us YOUR help! If you’re interested in volunteering, please fill out our Volunteer application here.



Please contact Kate Froehlich, kfroehlich@miracoalition.org with any questions. 

MIRA Driver's License Clinics

• August 12th, 2023 | 9am - 2pm, at Coalition for a Better Acre in Lowell 

 Please email our organizing team with any questions

Intro to Immigration is back!

2023 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 practice with immigrant populations. This is an introductory training – no prior experience or knowledge is necessary!

Join us for our upcoming webinars (below) from 12-1 p.m.!

• Thursday, August 10: Immigration Policy Updates and the Work Ahead

To find out more information on classes and registration, click here. 

Work With Us!

Want to join a dynamic and multi-ethnic coalition? Join the MIRA family!

 

Jobs at MIRA

• Communications Director 


• Membership Coordinator 


• Senior Director of Operations (Interim)


• Interim Grant Writer

Internships at MIRA

• Citizenship Intern (fall, winter/spring & summer terms – hiring for Summer 2023 is now closed)


• Organizing Intern (fall & winter/spring terms)

To apply, email hrrecruiting@miracoalition.org with a resume, and cover letter, with the “Job Title you are applying for” in the subject line of the email.

Apply to become a New American Change Maker! 

Program begins September 5th

Upcoming Citizenship clinics and

other volunteer opportunities

• August 24th (Boston Copley Library)


• September 16th (Codman Square Library)

More coming soon in Boston, Burlington, Worcester, and more!

MIRA's citizenship clinics are brought to you thanks to the

generous support of the Ali Family Fund.

SAVE THE DATE 

East Boston Latin Music and Dance Festival

“Sonidos de la Gente