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Our work at Immigrant Advancement

Learn more about our core values and strategic plan to advance the stability, vitality, and civic ownership of all immigrant communities in Boston.

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The Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) works to strengthen the ability of immigrants to fully and equitably participate in economic, civic, social, and cultural life in Boston. MOIA also promotes the recognition and public understanding of the contributions of immigrants to the City.

MOIA was created in 1998 as the Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians. In 2016, the name and focus of the office changed to the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement to reflect the shift in strategic priorities and services.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @BOSImmigrants.

Core Values

MOIA Values

PARTNERSHIP

Collaborate with other City departments, community and civic organizations, and corporate partners to foster alliances around common interests and increase engagement in city government

EQUITY

Work together across all sectors to build power in immigrant communities and advance equitable opportunities and outcomes for all in unjust systems

INNOVATION

Think creatively to find solutions to challenges, being flexible and learning from successes and failures to constantly grow and improve the way we work

CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY
Ensure immigrant communities feel a sense of belonging by having a voice in decision-making spaces and actively participating in government and other civic organizations

Strategic Plan 2021-2023

MOIA Strategic Plan

STABILITY

Unite with immigrants to preserve and advance a welcoming Boston

  • Counter divisive national rhetoric and policies through proactive communications, advocacy and legal tools
  • Clearly define the role of local police in serving immigrant communities (e.g. Trust Act)
  • Partner with NGOs on programs (such as immigration legal consultations, Know Your Rights workshops, PDs for schools, Greater Boston Immigrant Defense Fund)
INTEGRATION

Be effective advocates for Mayor’s values & immigrant integration agenda

  •  Identify innovative initiatives to grow immigrant wages and wealth
  • Promote strong partnerships with city departments, universities, hospitals, and businesses through formation of the MOIA Advisory Board
  • Identify opportunities of collaboration and solidarity with African-American communities
  • Position Mayor/MOIA as a thought-leader on immigration 
CIVIC OWNERSHIP

Ensure all immigrant communities have equitable access to government

  • Immigrants Lead Boston: a 12-week civic engagement course for immigrant residents to become leaders and advocates in the community
  • Citizenship Day: Over 400 immigrants start their citizenship applications in one day
  • Outreach to disconnected and new immigrant communities
  • Annual Community Day: Immigrant residents have the opportunity to tour City Hall throughout the day - all residents have the opportunity to tour specific immigrant cultural centers in the City

Amplify the voice and influence of immigrant communities

  • Craft proactive communications campaigns to tell the true immigrant story
  • Identify immigrant residents to serve on city boards & commissions
  • Provide capacity-building support for immigrant-serving nonprofits
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