IMMIGRATION
Essex County Community Organization
Pathway To Citizenship Press Conference
Boston, March 2021
BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF BELONGING
Multiple issues of interest and concern to our immigrant neighbors and friends have consistently brought a number of MCAN affiliates together (United Interfaith Action, Prophetic Resistance Boston, Worcester Interfaith, Pioneer Valley Project, Brockton Interfaith Community and Essex County Community Organization) in solidarity to advocate for the Work and Family Mobility Act, known informally as Drivers’ License Bill, as well as for national legislation that we hoped would pave a Pathway To Citizenship for essential workers, DACA recipients and TPS holders. Legislatively, Pioneer Valley Project also worked with Congressman Richard Neal to expand the Child Tax Credit to include immigrant families.
At the local level, Brockton Interfaith Community is currently advocating for an immigration center similar to one in Boston where immigrants can have a one stop shop for receiving support and resources. Essex County Community Organization is incubating an immigrant operated and owned cleaning company, Shine Together, which is part of building a beloved economy.
“I am working with Brockton Interfaith Community and MCAN on immigration issues, because I am frankly sick and tired of our rights being taken away because of documents. While some of the issues make me feel angry and disappointed, like when the opposition was collecting thousand signatures by telling lies about the Driving Families Forward Bill, I was present and defending it from day one. In working with BIC, I was particularly motivated by William and Sean and I thank them, because they saw more in me then I saw myself. Now, I consider BIC family and thank God for the opportunity to step up and lead along some great and wonderful leaders and organizers.”
Maria Miranda, Leader
Brockton Interfaith Community
& MCAN Shining Star 2022
Essex County Community Organization
Solidarity Pilgrimage 2019