Summer 2019 Newsletter
Earlier this summer, the IIIC was proud to join the Driving Families Forward Coalition to lobby for the Work and Family Mobility Act at the State House.
Greetings,

I hope you are having a good summer, even in the midst of these turbulent times.

The IIIC continues to work on the frontlines to support Greater Boston's immigrant community. We are fully committed to welcoming those who come here in pursuit of refuge, opportunity, and a better future for their families in the face of this administration's steps to deprive them of their rights, freedom, and in some cases, their lives. Beyond the horror of the border camps, the administration recently announced:
  • Unilateral expansion of its expedited removal powers, which will dramatically increase the number of people subject to deportation without due process and access to legal counsel.
  • A plan to reduce refugee admissions to zero in the coming year.
  • ICE raids that are tearing families apart (680 food factory workers were detained this week while their kids attended the first day of school).
These actions are a betrayal of the very values that spurred the creation of this nation. "All are created equal...with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Our Director of Legal Services, Tony Marino, reminds us that "these rights are inherent in us as human beings, not bestowed upon us at a government's whim."

The IIIC will continue to work with and for immigrant families with all that we have. Thank you for standing with us, and please consider the opportunity to get more involved as a supporter or volunteer.

In solidarity,

Ronnie Millar
Executive Director


Don't miss this year's Solas Awards Celebration!

Buy your tickets today, and join the IIIC as we celebrate 30 years with the community of friends and partners who continue to make the IIIC's journey possible.

Contact Megan Miller at [email protected] to learn more!

From Surviving to Thriving: IIIC Support for Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Violence

Margaret* is a woman from Honduras who was referred to the IIIC’s legal team by Boston Medical Center after experiencing persistent health issues due to emotional and psychological abuse committed by her husband, who is a U.S. citizen. Read Margaret's full story to learn more about how the IIIC supports survivors through the process of gaining safety and stability for themselves and their families.

We are deeply grateful for our partnership with Boston Medical Center, which has since developed to include dedicated, onsite legal services for patients in need of immigration counsel and representation. You can read more about this life-saving and critically important work in this recent Health City article featuring IIIC attorney Jackie Kelley. 

*Name has been changed to protect confidentiality.
Citizenship in Action: IIIC Facilitates Community Dialogue

In June, the IIIC hosted our second Citizens Empowered event to facilitate dialogue on active citizenship. We were joined by newcomers, longtime citizens and native Bostonians for a deeply meaningful and inspiring conversation. Join us on September 26th for our next dialogue.

The IIIC thanks the Fish Family Foundation and the Bostonian Society for making this work possible!
IIIC Bring Irish Language Learners Together 

The IIIC recently wrapped up another great term of Irish classes with a summer chat night hosted by the Irish Consulate in Boston and facilitated by Cumann na Gaeile i mBoston. Our students have learned a lot, and had a blast! We look forward to continuing the program this fall. Keep an eye out for details on our classes beginning in September!

Our Wellness Services were also featured in Crosscare Migrant Project's August newsletter, highlighting the depth and breadth of our work to promote wellness at a time of heightened anti-immigrant activities. Our team is always here to chat and problem-solve with free and confidential services. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 617-542-7654, or email Rachel at [email protected]

ESOL Students Take On the Town This Summer!

This summer, the IIIC held several exciting courses for students, including an ESOL conversation class and a 7-week ESOL course focused on the arts and the city of Boston. Students traveled to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the ICA, Boston Public Library, and an outdoor concert, exploring art and environment while learning new vocabulary and building skills and confidence.

Our team is looking ahead to our fall course session. Learn more about our upcoming programs here!
IIIC J-1 Exchange Visitor Finishes Exceptional Year in U.S.

Richard Stevenson is a third year Ulster University student from County Down who recently completed a yearlong J-1 internship at Norbella Media, with the support of the IIIC’s Learning Exchange Program team. Read more about Richard’s journey in the U.S. and his advice for J-1s landing in the U.S. this year!

If you are interested in hosting an Irish intern at your business, please contact 
Paul Pelan at 617-542-7654.
Welcome to Deputy Director Maren Coniglione!

The IIIC is very pleased to announce the appointment of Maren Coniglione as the new Deputy Director here at the IIIC. Maren previously worked as Executive Director of an educational non-profit in Boston, and Assistant Director of a community arts center in Brookline. Maren holds a Master's Degree in International Relations and African Studies from Boston University, and has previously worked with immigrants and refugees at the International Rescue Committee in New York and New Jersey. Welcome, Maren!
Irish For Pride 2019!

For the second year in a row, the IIIC was proud to partner with the Consulate General of Ireland- Boston and a number of other Irish organizations to walk in the Boston Pride Parade, unified under the "Irish for Pride" banner.

The Irish International Immigrant Center is working toward a society in which all are welcomed and valued and enjoy equal opportunities and protections. The IIIC is a highly respected multi-service welcome center for immigrant and refugee families from around the globe. We assist newcomers as they integrate into American society by providing legal, wellness, and education services, working for systemic change, and facilitating cross-cultural community building and inclusion. 

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