Boston Council Hears Budget Pitch From Immigrant and Civil Rights Offices

BOSTON — April 28, 2025 — Boston's immigrant services office reports a two-month wait list and millions in unmet grant needs. The Boston City Council's Committee on Ways and Means, chaired by District 4 Councilor Brian Worrell, held a virtual fiscal year 2026 budget hearing Monday covering five offices including the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement, the Office of Language and Communications Access, and the Human Rights Commission. Monique Nguyen, executive director of the immigrant advancement office, said the office received 41 legal access grant applications totaling more than $3.2 million but could fund only $700,000, and received ESOL applications totaling $3.5 million against only $500,000 available. Mental health grant applications surged from roughly 20 to 30 in prior years to 90 this cycle, which Nguyen called unprecedented. The office has served 626 youth this year and aims to reach 1,500 in fiscal year 2026.