MIRA Coalition FY25 Budget Priorities

Essential services for newly arrived immigrants in emergency shelter 

$2.2M for Year 2 of the Immigrant Assistance Services (IAS) Program in Line Item 4003-XXXX Administered by MIRA Coalition under contract with the Office of Refugees and Immigrants , IAS funds the critical work of our 15 frontline partner organizations to provide case management, legal and other culturally-competent services to EA-eligible immigrant families at shelter sites throughout Massachusetts, serving over 600 families since its launch in Summer 2023 with an initial state investment of just $1.75 million. This established, successful network is ready to grow, and to help realize our Commonwealth’s goal of integrating newly arrived immigrants into our workforce. Increase over FY24 contract: $450,000. 

Resettlement services for refugees 

$2.5M to support refugee resettlement agency services in Line Item 4003-0123 

Our Commonwealth’s resettlement agencies provide housing, case management, and other resettlement support for refugees and new arrivals in Massachusetts. This funding request would continue the federal and state partnership that has supported this work for several years, especially as the cost of living and housing continues to climb in Massachusetts. Level funding from total FY24 budget allocations. 

Adult English classes for immigrants and refugees 

$65.5M for Adult Education & English Classes (ABE/ESOL) in Line item 7035-0002 

Ten percent of Massachusetts adult residents do not speak English well, limiting their employment opportunities, and civic engagement. ESOL providers are struggling to serve growing numbers of newly arrived immigrants and refugees to Massachusetts, including those in shelters. Yet class waitlists hover at 20,456, limiting access for thousands of adult learners. Increase: $5M. 

Economic self-sufficiency for immigrants and refugees 

$3M for Employment Support Services Program (ESSP) in Line Item 4401-1000 

ESSP is a targeted program for TAFDC recipients whose first language is neither English nor Spanish, providing immigrants and refugees with occupational skills training and other support services to enter the workforce, including training in vocational English. Level funding. 

Credentialing for internationally-trained nurses 

$190,000 for the Boston Welcome Back Center within in Line Item 7518-0100 

Since 2005, the Boston Welcome Back Center has helped over 660 internationally-trained nurses from 125 countries return to their profession. Founded at Bunker Hill Community College to meet our Commonwealth’s healthcare workforce needs, the Center provides mentoring, foreign credential evaluation, and test prep for the nursing licensure exams. Level funding. 

Citizenship services for low-income immigrants 

$1.5M for the Citizenship for New Americans Program (CNAP) in Line item 4003-0122 The Citizenship for New Americans Program (CNAP) helps eligible low-income immigrants apply for citizenship with English and civics classes and legal assistance. Participants in citizenship programs are far more likely to succeed in acquiring citizenship. CNAP funding has decreased every year since FY22. Increase: $213,000.