Immigration / Migrants
Over the past several years, Boston has seen an increase in the number of migrants seeking shelter and asylum. Many of these new arrivals have been forced to abandon everything they know and come to the United States to escape persecution, harm, natural disasters, sexual violence, and so much more. Like many of us, they want stable shelter, food for their families, education for their kids, and a job that pays a living wage. Yet, they are often met with violence, used as political pawns, and denied the legal rights that our immigration system demands we give them as asylum seekers.
During her time as Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Civil Rights and Immigrant Advancement, Councilor Louijeune has:
The councilor knows that there is no truer test of our values than where resources are allocated. That is why she worked to secure critical funding for organizations on the ground doing the work to meet the needs of our new arrivals. This includes:
$1.1 million dollars in funds to support immediate shelter needs,
$100,000 to expand capacity for Boston’s Citizenship Day, an annual event for people who are eligible for naturalization to get free legal help with their citizenship application,
$100,000 to help reduce barriers that newly immigrated residents face when seeking citizenship.
Even prior to her tenure, advocating for the end of the use of Title 42 was a top priority of Councilor Louijeune, organizing across not only the Commonwealth, but across the United States. The councilor was encouraged to see that the strength of collective organizing contributed to the ending of the racist, & inhumane policy in April 2022. Repeal was a very necessary first step, but the Councilor knows that we must continue to do better by our migrant and immigrant communities from all over the world. We have a responsibility to be intentional and deliberate in our support for asylum seekers. LINK 0297
As Boston continues to see a rise in the arrival of migrants, Councilor Louijeune held a hearing to address the needs of the migrant population. The Councilor understands the deep importance of centering the voices of community members who have been at the frontlines of this issue for years, while also ensuring that all stakeholders are brought into the fold. The councilor called for additional funding to city programs, services and nonprofits providing legal assistance, removal of barriers in accessing city services for migrants, particularly Black migrants, and surveying whether city-owned empty buildings can provide temporary housing LINK 0158