In the face of unprecedented violence and attacks on immigrants, Massachusetts legislators and Governor Healey took action. The PROTECT Act ensures that the rights of all Massachusetts residents are protected under the Massachusetts Constitution and Massachusetts law.
We at MLRI are especially gratified that this bill includes the I-9 provision introduced by Senator Lewis and Representatives Philips and Cruz. This provision protects the due process rights of immigrant workers by providing them with notice before ICE reviews their private I-9 documents. ICE has recently used the I-9 inspection process to access the private files of immigrants without their knowledge or a warrant, and the data in these files is often used as a precursor for arrests and raids. Since ICE is arresting lawful immigrants without regard or understanding of their status, immigrants are being arrested erroneously and in violation of their due process rights. By providing immigrants with notice before ICE gets involved, immigrant workers are able to prepare for an ICE enforcement action by speaking with an attorney, gathering key documentation, learning their rights, and providing guardianship for their children if necessary.
Immigrants – and all Massachusetts residents – are safer because of the PROTECT Act. The federal government’s attempts to dehumanize immigrants does not make our immigrant friends and neighbors any less human. By passing the PROTECT Act, the state of Massachusetts is speaking to all of its residents regardless of their immigration status: We see you. We support you. You have dignity. You deserve respect.