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Chelsea advocates and immigrant leaders praise Protect Act at signing
Summary
Local advocates, immigrant leaders and legislators gathered in Chelsea to celebrate the Protect Act; organizers credited months of grassroots work and said the law will reduce fear that keeps families from school and medical care.
Community leaders in Chelsea said the Protect Act reflects months of grassroots work and will reduce the fear that has kept families from schools, medical appointments and civic life. Lanita Reason, executive director of the Brazilian Workers Center, said the legislation "ensures that our school, our hospital, our courthouse, and our community space remain safe where all residents... engage with the justice system without fear." Advocates described the law as the product of listening sessions in Chelsea, Lawrence, Haverhill and other communities.
Gladys Vega dedicated the moment to staff whose family members are facing detention and to residents who testified for the bill. Local speakers repeatedly framed the law as one that restores trust between residents and public institutions and said they would continue advocacy to protect residents with temporary protected status and others at risk of enforcement.
