MIRA works across the state to reach out to immigrants and allies, support communities working for justice and tolerance, and educate Mississippians about the contributions and struggles of immigrants in our state.
Our organizers meet with local leaders and constituents, organize public events, conduct “Know-Your-Rights” trainings in collaboration with our legal team, accept invitations to speak about MIRA’s work and immigrants rights, and engage with allied organizations.
Issues we most frequently encounter include:
- labor rights violations
- detention matters
- racial / ethnic profiling and discrimination
- and language barriers in access to the legal system, health care, and education.
Want to participate in our organizing efforts? Send us an email or call us, for more information.
Organizers are also central to MIRA’s legislative advocacy and education, ensuring that all immigrants and workers have the opportunity to make their voices heard regarding proposed legislation that affects them at the local, state, and national levels.
Jackson / Central MS Office
Working out of our central office in Jackson, our Central Mississippi organizer reaches out to immigrant communities in and is a frequent participant in MIRA’s advocacy work at the state capitol.
In recent months, our Central MS organizer has focused on outreach to students and young volunteers interested in promoting the DREAM Act to ensure that hardworking undocumented youth have the opportunity to access higher education and a path to citizenship.
Gulf Coast / Southern MS Office
The Gulf Coast Renewal and Advocacy Project, primarily run out of our Biloxi office, responds to and anticipates the organizational, educational, and advocacy needs of immigrants living and working in the coastal counties of Pearl River, Stone, Hancock, George, Harrison, and Jackson.
Recently, we collected more than $5,000 in stolen wages, bringing the total of recovered monies on behalf of immigrant workers to nearly $1.5 million since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Coast in 2005. The money have been collected through a number of means, including marches, demonstrations, and engaging the media.
