Photo: A sign reads “Who’s next?” at Immigrant Solidarity protest in Boston on January 29. (Tim Pierce/Flickr)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHENOM Condemns Immigration Ban, Supports Safe Communities Act
Boston, Massachusetts — January 31, 2017
The Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts (PHENOM) condemns the immigration and refugee ban issued by the White House on Friday, and states its strong support for the Safe Communities Act currently before the Massachusetts Legislature.
“Since its founding 10 years ago, PHENOM has stood alongside the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) and the Student Immigrant Movement (SIM) in their call to defend the rights of immigrants of all statuses and for the right of all Massachusetts residents to attend our public higher education campuses for in-state rates,” said Zac Bears, Executive Director of PHENOM.
“We fight for universal, debt-free, high-quality, democratic public higher education for everyone who lives in the Commonwealth, as a right of being part of our community. We will not move from that position, and will stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies in the immigrant and refugee communities to fight back against Trump’s unconstitutional and immoral actions.”
PHENOM supports the Safe Communities Act (HD 3052/SD 1596), sponsored by State Senator Jamie Eldridge and State Representative Juana Matías, which would prevent Massachusetts tax dollars from being used to enforce federal immigration law. We also encourage all Massachusetts residents to attend the Rally on Boston Common on February 1 at noon in support of the Safe Communities Act.
“The Safe Communities Act prevents Massachusetts cities and towns and the state itself from being complicit in the attacks on our community members who are living, working, and learning in Massachusetts,” said Max Page, PHENOM’s Treasurer and Founding Member. “These are our neighbors and we will support any legislation and actions that defend them.”
Contact:
Zac Bears | (978) 227-8473 | zac@phenomonline.org
Max Page | (413) 219-7633 | milomaximpage@gmail.com
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