Immigration

Over the past several years, Boston has seen an increase in the number of migrants seeking shelter and asylum. 

As the federal administration continues to threaten the status of immigrants across the city and the nation, Councilor Louijeune is committed to protecting the rights of Boston’s immigrants and striving towards support and legislation for immigrant communities to thrive. 

During her first term on the Council, Councilor Louijeune chaired the Committee on Civil Rights and Immigration Advancement. In her most recent term as Council President, immigrant rights have remained a key issue for the Councilor. She has done the following:  

Advocate for Accessible Resources for Immigrants 

  • Allocate funding for newly-arrived immigrants. The Councilor co-sponsored a hearing on the allocation of additional funding and emergency support to new immigrants. The Councilor recognizes the importance of removing barriers to jobs and legal assistance, empowering immigrants to become involved community members in our city.

This image is of a public rally or demonstration taking place outdoors. Councilor Louijeune is speaking at a podium with the Boston city seal.

Councilor Louijeune came together alongside many community members, Boston City Council colleagues, and government colleagues to lock arms with our immigrant communities and reaffirm exactly who we are.

Protect Immigrant Rights

  • Protect immigrant communities by defending Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The Councilor co-sponsored a resolution denouncing the rollback of TPS for Haitian, Venezuelan, and other immigrant communities. She believes that safeguarding TPS is essential to protecting individuals seeking safety and asylum and preventing harm to immigrant families and Boston’s broader community.

  • Support the Trust Act to promote safety and trust for immigrants. The Councilor introduced a resolution reaffirming support for the Trust Act, which allows individuals to engage with the Boston Police Department without fear of deportation. As unjust immigration enforcement continues to instill fear, this policy helps ensure that Boston’s immigrant communities feel safe, protected, and empowered to seek help when needed.

  • Advance immigrant rights by backing state-level legal protections. The Councilor co-sponsored a resolution in support of key immigrant rights legislation, including the Safe Communities Act, the Immigrant Legal Defense Act, and the Dignity Not Deportations Act. These policies expand legal and professional support for immigrants at a time when federal actions threaten their access to justice and dignity.

Call for the end of Title 42 and protect the rights of asylum seekers. Councilor Louijeune has consistently advocated against Title 42, a harmful and discriminatory federal policy used to block asylum seekers at the border. Even before her time on the Council, she joined national and statewide organizing efforts to repeal the policy and continues to call for humane, just treatment for those seeking refuge in our city and beyond.

This image is of a rally under a brick archway where Councilor Louijeune in a light-colored suit is speaking to a crowd. Behind her, people are holding a Venezuelan flag.

In April 2025, Councilor Louijeune gathered alongside community members at the federal courthouse in support of Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan, and other immigrant communities and humanitarian parole programs. These people followed a legal process to come to the United States & are contributing to our country and economy, but the Trump Administration is trying to end their status.

Celebrate Boston’s Immigrant Community

  • Honor Immigrant Heritage Month and uplift immigrant contributions. Co-sponsoring a hearing recognizing June as Immigrant Heritage Month in the City of Boston. Councilor Louijeune understands the importance of supporting and uplifting the diverse economic, cultural, and community-building contributions of our immigrant community. 

Immigration is a top priority for the budget: