Advocacy - International Institute of New England

advocacy

As we navigate the most restrictive federal immigration policy in recent history, IINE is committed to advocating for the safety and rights of refugees and immigrants.

There is strength in numbers; we invite you to join our cause.

Welcoming refugees and immigrants honors our nation’s values and strengthens our communities. IINE advocates on behalf of our newest neighbors at the community, civic, state, and national levels.

Community Level

IINE’s blog and social media feature client stories, public statements, news, myth-busting articles, and calls-to-action. Quarterly virtual Town Halls invite supporters to learn about issues and ask questions. In-person presentations by IINE staff and Suitcase Stories® performers provide your community group with context, testimonials, and calls to action. Contact us to request a presentation.

City Level

IINE builds relationships with mayors and city councilors who regularly visit our sites to see our work, meet our clients, and participate in welcoming events like our annual World Refugee Day.

State Level

IINE leads coalitions of fellow refugee resettlement agencies in advocating for funding and legislation that supports refugees and immigrants and opposing legislation that could harm them. As a member of the Advisory Council of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), IINE supports community education and mobilization efforts.

IINE Staff with NH Senator Jeanne Shaheen

Federal Level

IINE leadership regularly meets with State Representatives and Senators from New Hampshire and Massachusetts and their staff to advocate for funding and a fair and humane immigration system at the federal level.

Current Calls to Action

Last Updated 5/15/26

Support Immigrant Protections in the Massachusetts State Budget

The Massachusetts Senate has released its proposed FY27 annual budget for debate and passage later this month and senators have proposed amendments. Urge your state senator to prioritize increased funding for immigrant legal defense and citizenship application assistance.

MIRA email form

Defend Haitian TPS Holders

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 330,000 Haitians throughout the U.S. Now the Senate needs to act. This protection must stay in place while conditions in Haiti remain unsafe. Urge your Senator to build support and call for a vote.

Call script

Stop harmful refugee re-interview policy
Under Operation PARRIS, DHS and USCIS are threatening to “re-interview” refugees who have already passed rigorous vetting, asking them to relive trauma while their security is again put at risk in the land that promised them protection. Urge your federal representatives to use their oversite powers to oppose this harmful policy.

Call and email scripts

Support the GRACE Act to restore and protect the U.S. refugee program
The GRACE Act would set a minimum floor for U.S. refugee admissions and restore stronger congressional oversight, protecting the program from political whims.

Thank your MA Senators: Call and email scripts
Urge your NH Senators: Call and email scripts

Urge your representatives to speak out against collective punishment and discriminatory polices targeting refugees, asylees, and Afghan evacuees
Discriminatory actions are jeopardizing asylum processing, refugee visas, and other vital protections for hundreds of thousands of humanitarian immigrants.

RCUSA email form

Tell your representatives to condemn the expansion of the discriminatory travel ban
A new expansion doubles the number of targeted countries, removes family reunification exceptions, and deepens harmful restrictions.

RCUSA email form

Share your story of how current policy is affecting you, your business, or someone you know

Join Our Advocacy Efforts

You and your community can help grow support for refugees and immigrants:

Take Action With Us

Activism is better together! Join IINE’s advocacy email list to receive weekly calls-to-action and other advocacy resources and tips. Join our monthly online meetings for policy briefings, Q&A sessions, action items, inspiration, and group discussions.

To sign up, complete this form.

Hold a Fundraiser

IINE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity of individuals who share our commitment to welcoming, supporting, and investing in newcomers to our region. Holding a community fundraiser is a great way to raise support and awareness of IINE’s cause within your network.

Show Your Support on Social Media

Follow IINE on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and share and amplify news, stories, and statements to help shape opinions and raise awareness.

You can also create your own content to advocate for refugees and immigrants using this Advocacy Social Media Toolkit.

Wear Your Support With Pride!

Order clothing, stickers, and pins that show your support for refugees and immigrants.

Visit the IINE Store

Make Your Voice Heard

Contact Your Representatives

Find and save the contact information for your federal, state, and local officials and build a habit of urging them to action and thanking them when they come through!

Find Your Reps with BallotReady

Plug into your City Council and School Committee

Download our resource for tips on how to effectively communicate with your reps.

Write to the Press

Your personal perspective and voice can help move hearts and minds. Share your opinions, experience, and knowledge with your local paper or news site.

Write a Letter to the Editor to respond briefly and in a timely manner to a recent article or opinion. Write an Op-Ed to share a detailed argument from the perspective of an expert or stakeholder.