Inception:
Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance (MIRA) was born in the Fall of 2000, as a formal coalition of immigrant and non-immigrant groups, responding to the rapid influx of Latino immigrants into Mississippi. These early efforts recognized the need for organized advocacy to address challenges faced by this growing population, ensuring their voices were heard in a region unaccustomed to such demographic shifts.
MIRA quickly established itself as a force for immigrant justice, mobilizing communities and building partnerships to challenge discriminatory legislation. From defeating English-only bills to blocking oppressive anti-immigrant measures, MIRA has remained vigilant in promoting fairness and inclusion in Mississippi. Our work has since expanded beyond local efforts, placing immigrant rights issues at the forefront of both state and national conversations.
MIRA and Hurricane Katrina:
When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated Mississippi in 2005, MIRA took immediate action. As coastal reconstruction efforts began, thousands of immigrant workers arrived to rebuild homes, businesses, and infrastructure, often under dangerous conditions. These workers faced exploitation, eviction, and abuse, making MIRA’s presence more critical than ever.
MIRA distributed over 10,000 flyers in immigrant communities with our toll-free hotline to provide vital information and support. Our organizers advocated for immigrants affected by the storm, preventing unjust evictions and securing aid from agencies like FEMA and the Red Cross. We confronted abuses in shelters, including racial discrimination, and ensured immigrant families could access emergency resources.
Through the support of national partners, MIRA provided $25,000 in emergency aid, covering transportation, housing, food, clothing, and medical care. We worked directly with immigrant workers to recover over $1 million in unpaid wages from exploitative contractors, organizing street demonstrations and filing legal claims to demand fair treatment. By the end of 2006, our efforts had helped countless workers reclaim their dignity and compensation.
Over more than two decades, MIRA has achieved significant victories, including:
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- Educating lawmakers: Successfully engaging with the state legislature to raise awareness about immigrant issues and block harmful policies.
- Securing public education access: Advocating for the passage of legislation to uphold the Plyler v. Doe ruling, ensuring immigrant children can enroll in public schools regardless of immigration status.
- Promoting bilingual education: Campaigning for a framework that supports bilingual education in Mississippi’s schools.
- Opening teacher licensing pathways: Advocating for immigrant teachers to receive credit for their education and experience, expanding opportunities for them to teach in Mississippi.
- Protecting immigrant workers: Organizing responses to “Social Security No-Match” letters and negotiating policy changes with national employers to prevent worker penalties.
- Collaborating with law enforcement: Facilitating meetings with local agencies to address racial profiling, improve jail conditions, and secure bilingual court reporters and other essential services
Legal Advocacy and Community Support
Through our Legal Project, MIRA continues to assist individuals in navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. We have successfully helped constituents secure temporary and permanent residency, as well as citizenship. Our legal team has also provided defense for individuals facing deportation in immigration courts, fighting to keep families together and protect the rights of immigrants across Mississippi.
MIRA’s legacy is one of resilience, advocacy, and impact. As we move forward, we remain committed to ensuring that every immigrant in Mississippi—regardless of status—has the opportunity to live, work, and thrive with dignity.