Immigration & Immigrant Rights

THE CHALLENGE

Federal immigration enforcement threatens families, damages our economy, and contradicts Massachusetts values. My own grandfather immigrated from England and worked as a janitor, building a better life for his family through hard work and sacrifice. Growing up, my parents approached our church about sponsoring a Cambodian refugee family. When the church wasn't able to sponsor directly, our family stepped up as sponsors with support from the congregation. I helped my mom with resettlement work, connecting families to services and building friendships that continue today.

The experience was so rewarding that our family became a model for other families who sponsored refugees the following year. Through our involvement with refugee resettlement over the past 40 years later, I’ve seen firsthand how immigrants enrich our communities, drive our economy, and embody the values that make Massachusetts strong. We must protect immigrant families and make clear that diversity strengthens our Commonwealth.

MY APPROACH

Protect immigrant families and communities - Support sanctuary policies that limit state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Oppose workplace raids, family separation, and immigration enforcement actions in sensitive locations such as schools, healthcare facilities, places of worship, and courthouses. Ensure immigrants can access essential services regardless of status, and defend the safety and dignity of all residents.

Stand up to federal overreach - Use state authority to push back against discriminatory federal policies, support legal challenges that protect immigrant rights, and ensure Massachusetts remains a welcoming state for immigrants and refugees.

Ensure access to services and opportunity - Guarantee access to education, healthcare, and public services regardless of immigration status. Support driver’s licenses for all residents and ensure immigrant families can participate fully in civic and community life.

Champion immigrants as job creators and innovators - Defend immigrants’ essential role in our economy, from life sciences and higher education to restaurants, healthcare, and the construction trades. Make clear that our innovation and service economies depend on attracting and retaining global talent, and celebrate immigrant entrepreneurship and contributions.

Strengthen integration and pathways to citizenship - Expand English language programs and citizenship application support. Connect immigrants to job training and workforce development opportunities. Support community organizations doing resettlement and integration work so families can build stable lives and contribute fully to our communities.

Protect workers regardless of status - Ensure workplace protections apply to all workers. Combat wage theft and exploitation, support labor organizing in industries with significant immigrant workforces, and hold employers accountable for violations.

Build broad coalitions - Bring together business leaders, labor, faith communities, educators, and advocacy organizations to defend immigrant families and demonstrate broad support for welcoming, inclusive policies.