Celebrating 2022 Advocacy Successes
The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute has been fighting to build a just and equitable Commonwealth for over 50 years. This year was no different — along with our partners, we’ve continued advocating for those who are most often overlooked when navigating shifting realities.
MLRI Applauds Congressional Action to Replace Stolen SNAP Benefits and Improve EBT Protections for Low-Income Households
Boston MA (December 21, 2022) – Thousands of low-income households across the nation have had their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as food stamps) benefits stolen by criminals who use a “skimming” device to capture the households’ account information. Most states, including Massachusetts, have refused to replace the stolen benefits because the federal government would not cover the cost of replacement. In November 2022, MLRI filed a class action lawsuit challenging the state’s refusal to replace benefits stolen through no fault of the household.
Q&A with Iris Gomez, Senior Immigration Attorney
Mass Law Reform is powered by our advocates – talented and committed individuals who work together to fight for the needs of low-income people. Our second advocate is Iris Gomez, a Senior Staff Attorney in Immigration.
Iris Gomez joined MLRI as an immigration attorney in March 1992. A nationally-recognized immigration law expert, she directs MLRI’s Immigrants Protection Project. She is the former chair of the National Immigration Law Center’s board of directors and has played leadership roles in numerous bar associations, government task forces, and community organizations, in addition to teaching immigration law at Boston area law schools. She currently serves as a Trustee of the Hyams Foundation. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she is the author of the Boston Globe best-seller TRY TO REMEMBER, an immigrant coming-of-age novel that won praise from prominent national magazines such as O, The Oprah Magazine as well as an International Latino Book Award.