BOSTON, MA – In response to Senator Edward J. Markey announcing the introduction of the Securing Help for Immigrants Through Education and Legal Development (SHIELD) Act, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, issued the following statement:
“We know, and have consistently witnessed throughout this administration’s ongoing attacks on immigrants, that this marginalized population is constantly facing threats to their constitutional rights. Investing in the recruitment and development of legal professionals who can work to defend the rights of our immigrant neighbors will undoubtedly help to protect their rights and hopefully to avoid unnecessary deportations. We are incredibly grateful that Massachusetts has already passed funding for the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative, which is providing crucial funding to protect the rights of immigrants, and are thankful that Senator Markey is taking action on a national scale to ensure immigrants are protected throughout legal proceedings in a sustainable way.”
Media Contact: Ellen Fleming | efleming@melwoodglobal.com