TASK FORCE INFORMATION:

            Our next meeting will be held on April 12 at 7:15PM. Our guest speaker, LYDIA EDWARDS, will join us at 7:30 to tell us what is happening to the undocumented in the city of Boston. Lydia is no stranger to our Task Force, having attend several meetings prior to her election to the City Council in Boston.  She is an entertaining and knowledgeable speaker.  A Zoom invitation will be sent  a few days in advance of our meeting.

MA LEGISLATION:

MIRA has produced the following items of interest:

            Safe Communities Act – Fact Sheet  The Safe Communities Act will ensure that everyone can access medical care, emergency assistance, and court and police protection without fear of deportation.  SD.532 (Sen. Eldridge), HD.1165 (Rep. Balser and Rep. Miranda)

            The Work and Family Mobility Act – Fact Sheet   The Work and Family Mobility Act would enable all qualified state residents to apply for a standard Massachusetts driver’s license, regardless of immigrant status, while keeping our Commonwealth in full compliance with REAL ID requirements.  Lead Sponsors: Reps. Farley-Bouvier (HD.448) and Barber, and Sen. Crighton and Gomez (SD.273)

 NATIONAL NEWS:

>> Many of the 14,000 people currently in immigration detention don’t meet ICE’s new stated priorities for enforcement and removal or should have initially been considered for discretionary release. ICE must proactively conduct a full custody review of those in detention, especially for people without counsel. Every day these individuals remain in detention heightens their risk for COVID-19, restricts access to counsel, and separates them from their families and communities. Use our sample template to ask Congress to urge ICE to conduct a full review of all cases for people in its custody with the presumption of release.

 >> Forbes reports on recent studies that show that a rise in legal immigration would aid long-term economic growth and address a slower-growing U.S. workforce. According to Forbes, the U.S. Citizenship Act, developed by the Biden administration, would have a positive impact on the U.S. economy by “raising immigration by 28% a year after a transition period

LOCAL NEWS:

 >> The Newton Needham Chamber published vaccination information  especially designed for immigrants by Newton Neighbors Helping Newton Neighbors.  The wonderful group Newton Neighbors helping Newton Neighbors has created vaccine information posters in multiple languages to share with employees or neighbors who may need it.  In addition, Attorney General Maura Healey’s office offers vaccine resources specifically aimed at immigrant and refugee populations. 

>> The English Language Learning Program (ELL) is restarting at the Needham Community Council.  If you or someone you know would like some help with their English Language skills,  please email jtovar@needhamcommunitycouncil.org (Julie Tovar) or call 781-444-2415. 

Stay safe

Gerry Rovner