Mufalo Chitam, Executive Director of the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (MIRC) issued the following statement in response to President Joseph R Biden Jr.’s inauguration on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 and his proposed immigration reforms:

“On behalf of the board, staff, and members of the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, Congratulations to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on their historic inauguration. It is truly a new day in the United States especially for our immigrant populations who can now ‘breathe again.’  We are looking forward to new federal policies that are not divisive and promote inclusion and diversity as we continue fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and build equitable communities. MIRC welcomes the actions already taken by President Biden to reverse executive orders that have negatively affected our immigrant populations including:

Immigration

  • Defend “Dreamers” Program for Undocumented Young Americans
  • End So-Called “Muslim Travel Ban”
  • Arrest Priorities for Immigration and Customs Enforcement
  • Stop Border Wall Construction
  • Keep Protections for A Group of Liberians In the Country

COVID-19

  • Restructure Federal Government Coordination to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Financial Relief for Americans

  • Extend Eviction and Foreclosure Moratoriums

Human Rights

  • Actions to Advance Racial Equity at the Federal Government
  • Count Non-Citizens in U.S. Census

MIRC supports the immigration reform that will not only ensure that undocumented youth and young adults who came to this country as children can stay in the United States — the only place they know as home — and pursue a path to citizenship, but includes permanent protection for all undocumented immigrants in the United States. We say yes to our dreamers and their parents and relatives who are equally deserving of permanent protection, dignity, and respect.  MIRC will work to advance the proposed bill that creates an eight-year pathway to citizenship for immigrants without legal status, with a shorter track for those with temporary statuses such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Temporary Protected Status.

Immigration is an important part of this country’s economic growth strategy and MIRC will continue to advocate for a robust immigration system and a welcoming atmosphere for immigrants who make our country – and especially Maine – their home.”

MIRC represents 73-member organizations that include immigrant constituency groups, advocacy groups, direct