Elizabeth Sweet: Executive Director
Boston, MA – Immigrant and refugee advocate Elizabeth Sweet has been announced as Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), the largest coalition in New England advocating for the rights and inclusion of immigrants and refugees. Sweet brings an 18-year record in policy, advocacy and legal work on behalf of immigrants.
Her background includes representing immigrants at the border and detained immigrant children in Arizona; advocating on behalf of the American Bar Association (ABA) for alternatives to detention and the right to counsel for mentally ill immigrants facing removal proceedings; litigating in federal court on issues involving the rights of immigrants; and directing programs for a major international refugee resettlement program.
Most recently, Sweet has served as Chief Operating Officer of HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society), the longest-serving refugee protection organization in the world. During her tenure, she led the organization’s strategic litigation challenging restrictions on the U.S. refugee admissions program. She has also served as Director of the ABA Immigration Justice Project in San Diego and as Board Chair of Detention Watch Network, a national coalition to abolish immigration detention in the U.S.
Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) works to protect and support the most vulnerable, especially those at risk of deportation, but also strives to expand opportunities for all foreign-born people and their children so that they can make the most of their talent and labor. MIRA is committed to serving as a strong, unifying force, connecting immigrants and refugees, service providers and a wide array of allies to fight together for a just and inclusive society.
