Dear friend,
I cannot believe that four months ago I joined the MIC family. My first day was the day after the election – fear and uncertainty dominated as our partners and immigrant families anticipated the worst. Unfortunately, their fears have come true. Our immigrant families fear ICE; even in churches, temples, synagogues, and schools; because federal guidance regarding protections in these sanctuary locations have been rescinded. The 2023 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation of Venezuela was terminated. The Haiti TPS extension and redesignation, pending a possible court injunction, could expire on August 3, 2025 instead of February 2, 2026. Immigrant families are struggling financially because they are afraid of going to work, terrified of potential ICE raids.
The challenges are immense but MIC is positioned to rise to these challenges. MIC was formed in the crucible of a biological and existential crisis– COVID 19. Leaders from across the Commonwealth made a bold pledge to form an unbreakable partnership to support immigrant families through emergency financial assistance, legal aid, workforce development programs, and advocacy for workers’ rights. In many ways, our immigrant families are still facing an existential threat and the virus is not biological but political– a hostile ideological virus that polarizes communities and targets immigrant families as “the problem” or “the enemy.”
Fortunately, as you review this newsletter, you will see powerful and viable solutions to this crisis. Our partners are engaged in heroic efforts to provide financial relief, intensive legal support, and workforce development programs that lead to economic mobility.
Friends, more than ever we are grateful that you have joined us in this movement to provide humanity where dehumanization dominates, compassion to those who are suffering, and love to those who have been alienated. Every effort counts. In the present and in the future, our children are judging us, wondering if we will live up to the ideals of this country and our spiritual traditions. The choice is ours.
Love always,
Frank DeVito
Executive Director
Massachusetts Immigrant Collaborative
