UPDATE: Approximately 50 local residents gathered on Saturday at The Southfield Church in New Marlborough for a pivotal presentation by immigration attorney Antonio Massa Viana. This event, organized by the New Marlborough Town Library and The Southfield Church, focused on urgent immigration issues facing millions today.
Viana, who made history as the first known unauthorized immigrant to earn a law license in Massachusetts, shared his personal journey and the pressing challenges undocumented immigrants face under current U.S. policies. He passionately emphasized the need for comprehensive immigration reform, stating, “Politicians have been talking about it forever, but it always seems to take a back seat to whatever is politically convenient.”
Born in Brazil, Viana moved to the U.S. at age 12 and lived without status for 20 years. His journey to citizenship was fraught with obstacles, yet he persevered, eventually establishing Massa Viana Law in 2015. He now advocates fiercely for immigrants, creating a space where they feel “seen, heard, and appreciated.”
During his presentation, Viana revealed shocking statistics about immigration: roughly 11 to 14 million undocumented individuals reside in the U.S., with 8 out of 10 having lived here for over 14 years. He highlighted that the government aims for 3,000 deportations daily, often targeting immigrants without criminal records.
Viana also debunked common myths surrounding immigration. He clarified that undocumented workers contributed nearly $96.7 billion in taxes in 2022 alone, countering claims that they drain resources. “The IRS issues ITINs to immigrants so they can pay taxes—and they pay a lot of taxes,” he reported, underscoring the economic impact of immigrant workers across various sectors.
He addressed the urgent need for reform, especially as the Department of Homeland Security continues to strip protections from vulnerable populations. Viana warned, “What’s happening to immigrants today could happen to citizens tomorrow,” drawing parallels from his experiences during Brazil’s military dictatorship.
As he concluded, Viana urged attendees to engage in advocacy, highlighting the importance of supporting initiatives like the Dignity Act and standing up for the rights of all immigrants. “Not enough people are speaking up,” he cautioned, calling for action against the current administration’s aggressive enforcement tactics.
The event underscored the critical need for community support and awareness regarding immigration issues. As Massachusetts considers vital immigration reform legislation, local organizations like the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) are pivotal in providing assistance.
For those wanting to contribute, several local organizations are actively supporting the immigrant community, including the Berkshire Alliance to Support the Immigrant Community (BASIC) and the Berkshire Immigrant Center (BIC).
Stay informed and engaged as the situation evolves, and remember: the fight for immigrant rights is a fight for justice that impacts us all.
