A Better City Joins City of Boston Response to U.S. Department of Justice Threats
August 20, 2025
On August 19, 2025, Kate Dineen, President & CEO of A Better City, joined Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and community leaders to respond to a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice threatening to prosecute City officials and withhold federal funds unless Boston cooperates with carrying out mass deportations. In her remarks, Kate reaffirmed the power of our cities and uplifted the economic contributions of Greater Boston's immigrant communities.
"We believe in the power of our cities to drive progress and innovation and economic growth—and to unite us not to divide. Our city drives our region, and our immigrants drive our city.
From learning at our world-class universities, to powering our world-class hospitals, to building our world-class skyline, Boston is a global city, because of (not in spite of) the immeasurable contributions of immigrants. The vibrancy and strength of our economy is a reflection of every single person who has come to our city and made it home.
According to a recent Boston Indicators report, immigrants contribute roughly $103 billion annually, about 21 percent of regional GDP, and comprise 28 percent of all business owners in Greater Boston.
The American economy has always been powered by people who come here with a belief in possibility. Turning our back on that legacy means turning our back on what has made us strong."
Watch the full press conference here and view event photos here.
