Immigrant Stability & Services
Boston's vibrant character is fundamentally
shaped by its diverse immigrant communities.
Growing up in Bani, Dominican Republic, I experienced firsthand the challenges immigrants face every day. These experiences have profoundly shaped my commitment to creating a truly inclusive Boston for all immigrants, regardless of their status.
My personal understanding of these struggles directly informs our policy priorities, which center on taking concrete steps to break down barriers and build real pathways to successful lives for immigrant communities in our city.
I am unwavering in my commitment to fostering a truly inclusive city where
all immigrants,
regardless of status, can thrive.
Immigrants are deeply embedded in the social, cultural, and economic fabric of this city.
As business owners, workers, and entrepreneurs, we contribute to Boston’s thriving economy.
As artists, educators, and leaders, we enrich the vibrant, diverse culture that defines our city.
-Councilor At-Large Henry Santana
Empowering Our Immigrant Community
for Success
Building a Stronger Boston:
I champion policies advocating for access to critical resources for immigrant integration, including robust language assistance, readily available legal aid, and comprehensive cultural orientation—resources I know firsthand are essential for navigating a new life.
Economic empowerment is paramount. I am dedicated to advancing policies that provide immigrants the tools for self-sufficiency, including expanded job training, robust entrepreneurship support, and access to affordable housing.
I actively work to enact policies that empower immigrants to fully participate in community life. This includes supporting civic engagement and ensuring their voices shape our city's future, alongside celebrating their diverse cultural contributions.
Pounding Pavement,
supporting Thriving immigrant communities
The FUNDOARCU Gala was a truly powerful night, a testament to the strength of our Dominican community.
What a wonderful way to celebrate Tết! We spent Saturday with VietAID and the community at the Vietnamese American Community Center, sharing in the warmth and joy of this special occasion.
¡Muchas gracias a La Casa De La Cultura Dominicana por invitarnos a su celebración del Día de la Juventud el viernes!
Happy Lunar New Year, Boston! This weekend, we welcomed the Year of the Snake with a full house at City Hall, joined by neighbors and leaders from across the city.
Thank you to the Veronica Robles Cultural Center (VROCC) for inviting us to their Second Annual Gala at the ICA Watershed!
This week we recognized VietAID with Councilor Fitzgerald for the organization’s impactful work in strengthening the Vietnamese community and enhancing the vibrancy of Fields Corner.
Proud to have attended the Kwong Kow Chinese School Fundraising Gala last night, a truly memorable evening dedicated to celebrating our community.
As Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close, this week we had the privilege of celebrating the remarkable Hispanic leaders and community members who make Boston stronger and more vibrant. Our office had the honor of recognizing Maria Sanchez, former President of the Board of the Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services (MHNHS).
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for yesterday’s Hispanic Heritage flag-raising ceremony at City Hall!
Today, we had the honor of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with the incredible students of the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics & Science in Roxbury! The event was a vibrant display of culture, talent, and community spirit.
Thank you to the Philippine Nurses Association of New England for inviting us to be the keynote speaker at this weekend’s Luncheon and Officer Induction Ceremony.
Had a wonderful time at Shaw’s in East Boston celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with the amazing Veronica Robles alongside Councilor Mejia! It was a vibrant event honoring the rich culture and traditions of our community. Thank you for including us!
This morning was spent in community at El Mundo’s Annual Hispanic Heritage Breakfast. So proud to count myself as part of such an incredible Hispanic & Latinx community who is deeply embedded in the social, cultural, and economic fabric of this city.
Yesterday, we had the pleasure of meeting with Vanessa Calderón-Rosado from Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA) in Boston’s South End.
Que día más perfecto para celebrar la cultura Dominicana! Shout out to the organizers of today’s parade Casa De La Cultura Dominicana En Boston! It was an absolute joy to join everyone in celebrating the rich culture, vibrant traditions, and spirited community that make our Dominican community so special.
Yesterday, we were honored to participate in the Dominican Flag-raising ceremony at City Hall. As one of the three Dominican City Councilors, it is always a pleasure to share our culture with the broader community. Our flag symbolizes the strength and unity of our community and celebrates the significant contributions of Dominicans in Boston.
A big thank you to Matagordenses Unidos En Exterior for hosting such a delightful community celebration at Franklin Park this weekend. It was a pleasure to enjoy the beautiful summer day with Boston’s Dominican community.
Thanks to Banilejos Unidos En Exterior for inviting us to join this weekend’s El Convite Banilejo International in Roslindale. We were joined by Councilors Pepen & Mejia and were delighted to recognize the event organizers for their dedication to bringing the community together. It’s always incredible to connect with Boston’s Dominican community.
We are grateful to Peravianos Unidos En Exterior for inviting us to their community celebration at Franklin Park this weekend. It was a pleasure to be joined by Councilors Pepen and Mejia, alongside Gladys Oliveros, the City of Boston’s Latinx Community Liaison. We had a great time enjoying a beautiful summer day with Boston’s Dominican community.
Thank you to the Cape Verdean Association of Boston for inviting us to the prestigious Annual Cabo Verdean 40 Under 40 Gala this past week. Our office recognized the Cape Verdean Association of Boston and Paulo Amado De Barros for all his work supporting Boston’s Cabo Verdean community.
Delighted to have been a part of El Mundo’s ¡Tu Salud! Event at Fenway Park! The day was filled with valuable health resources, lively music, dancing, and fun games for kids. It was wonderful to see families and friends come together to celebrate health, culture, and community.
¡Encantado de haber sido parte del evento Tu Salud de El Mundo en Fenway Park! El día estuvo lleno de valiosos recursos de salud, bailes y juegos para los niños. Fue maravilloso ver a familias y amigos reunirse para celebrar la salud, la cultura y la comunidad.
Grateful to have joined the Asian Community Development Corporation in celebrating 37 years of community building at the Heart of the Community Dim Sum Breakfast! It was an inspiring morning filled with a celebration of 2024 award honorees, words from staff and community leaders, and the joy of savoring a delicious dim sum breakfast from Empire Garden.
Congratulations to Project Citizenship & Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement for hosting their largest citizenship day ever today with over 400 people registered! Thank you for your impactful work and support for those navigating the citizenship process!