UPDATE: Approximately 50 local residents gathered at The Southfield Church in New Marlborough this past Saturday for an urgent presentation by immigration attorney Antonio Massa Viana. Organized by the New Marlborough Town Library and the church, Viana’s insights come at a critical time as immigration policies rapidly evolve.
Viana, a trailblazer in immigration law, made headlines after becoming the first known unauthorized immigrant to earn a law license in Massachusetts. He opened his firm, Massa Viana Law, in January 2015, focusing on providing compassionate legal representation to immigrants facing significant challenges.
Viana’s story is compelling. Born in Brazil, he immigrated to the U.S. at just 12 years old and lived without status for nearly 20 years. His personal journey fuels his passion for advocating for those who face similar obstacles. “To succeed, you need to push the envelope and not give up, despite the odds,” he emphasized during his presentation.
His remarks resonate strongly amid rising fears regarding immigration enforcement. “Immigration law is incredibly complex,” Viana stated, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reform. He highlighted that 11 to 14 million undocumented immigrants live in the United States, a stark contrast to the 50 million figure quoted by some officials.
Viana revealed alarming statistics: undocumented workers contributed $96.7 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2022 alone, dispelling myths that they drain resources. “The IRS issues ITINs to immigrants so they can pay taxes—and they pay a lot of taxes,” he clarified. He also debunked the misconception that deporting immigrants would boost American jobs, citing studies predicting a loss of 2.6 million jobs if undocumented workers were removed.
As Viana’s presentation continued, he addressed the chilling effects of current immigration policies. The Trump administration’s actions, including the stripping of Temporary Protected Status for over 1 million individuals, have left many vulnerable. “This isn’t just about unauthorized migration; it’s about civil rights,” Viana warned, drawing parallels between current U.S. policies and historical injustices.
“All immigrants, regardless of their status, have constitutional rights,” Viana reminded attendees. He urged the audience to recognize that what happens to immigrants today could easily affect citizens tomorrow.
Viana’s call to action resonated deeply, as he encouraged community members to advocate for policies supporting immigrant rights, including the protection of DACA. He stated, “Not enough people are speaking up. We must pressure our representatives to support the Dignity Act and protect the rights of immigrants.”
He concluded with a powerful message of hope: “I love my country. This is our home. We can’t lose hope.” His journey culminated in 2021 when he finally became a U.S. citizen after decades of struggle.
This event highlights the urgent need for awareness and action regarding immigration issues, particularly as Massachusetts considers critical legislation aimed at reform. For those looking to support the immigrant community, organizations like the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) and the Berkshire Immigrant Center (BIC) are actively working to provide assistance.
Stay tuned for more developments on immigration reform as the situation continues to evolve. The stakes are high, and the time for action is NOW.
