PRESS STATEMENT: MIRA Applauds End of "Immigrant Hunt" Agreement in Mass. Municipalities

Framingham and Barnstable end Immigration Enforcement Deals

BOSTON-- In a major victory for immigrants and public safety advocates, all Massachusetts municipalities have now have ended participation in the highly criticized program that allows local law enforcers to act like federal immigration agents. This morning, the Boston Globe reported that the two remaining Massachusetts localities in the program, Barnstable and Framingham, have canceled their agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 287(g), as the program is known. The program -- "which enlists local law-enforcement agencies to hunt illegal immigrants," as a recent New York Times editorial characterized it -- has been criticized by the Government Accounting Office and deplored by independent reports for decreasing trust in the police and increasing the potential for racial profiling. The Police Foundation, a nonprofit research organization, found in an April report that the program strained budgets and undermined efforts at community policing. As one police chief told the report's authors, "How can you police a community that will not talk to you?" "We applaud the Framingham Police Department and The Barnstable County Sheriff's Office for ending their 287(g) accords," said Eva Millona, executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA). "It will go a long way toward restoring trust in the police among immigrant communities, thereby making all our towns and cities safer and more peaceful." The only remaining 287(g) accord in the state is with the Department of Correction. "We recognized the importance of detaining dangerous criminals and punishing their illegal behavior to the full extent of the law," Millona continued. "But 287(g) only detracts the police from this primary mission. In fact, its counterproductive effects work against the police's ultimate function-- to serve and protect."

News Round-up: Sannicandro on Why Driver's Licenses Make Sense; Mitt Romney Sees the Light on Immigration

Following up on our post supporting Rep. Richardson of Framingham, Rep. Sannicandro penned an op-ed in the MetroWest Daily News explaining his support of driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants. Why would he support such a thing? Two main reasons:

• It promotes public safety. Allowing the Registry of Motor Vehicles to ensure that all driver's have passed the appropriate tests (written, road, eye) and understand the rules of the road is essentail for public safety.
• It makes financial sense. Estimates suggest that the Commonwealth would generate an additional $30 million in revenue by passing the amendment filed by Rep. Sannicandro. Turning down $30 million in revenue during these challenging economic times is akin to reducing $30 million of funding for vital social programs in MA.

And, finally, in a sign that the apocalypse is nearby, Mitt Romney has come out in support of Comprehensive Immigration Reform. It may not be for social, economic, civic, or humanitarian reasons (of course, it's political) but it is nice to see the person that former Rep. Tancredo, a staunch anti-immigrant, endorsed for president coming out on the right side of the issue.

Thank Legislators Who Support Immigrant Rights

Earlier this week, Representative Pam Richardson of Framingham came under fire for a video in which she offers her support of voting rights in local elections for immigrants and in-state tuition rates and driver's licenses for the undocumented.



It is clear from the video that Representative Richardson's position is well researched and comes with the best interest of her district and its taxpayers in mind. Far too often, folks are completely unaware that all immigrants, including the undocumented, contribute millions of dollars to MA in the form of taxes and billions in sales; yet, they have no representation in the voting booth or access to most government services and benefits.

When politicians put their reputation on the line to support immigrants and their rights, it is essential that we thank them for their support. Please contact Representative Richardson to thank her for supporting the rights and opportunities of immigrants and citizens in her district and for standing up for what she believes in. Help drown out the hateful and divisive calls she has been receiving for promoting fairness and equality in our Commonwealth.

Rep. Richardson's Office: 617-722-2582