Boston’s Mayor Facing Criticism Over Migrant Activism Program

Boston’s Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu is under fire for funding a program that trains migrants in political activism.

The initiative, named Immigrants Lead Boston, operates through the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement. It aims to identify and support “emerging leaders” within the migrant community, as reported by Fox News.

The program is drawing criticism because it specifically excludes U.S.-born residents from eligibility for its scholarships, which raises concerns about the use of taxpayer funds exclusively benefiting migrants.

Under Wu’s administration, migrants are being offered $575 to participate in a ten-week civic-engagement course designed to enhance their political involvement—some critics allege this is intended to supplant American citizens.

Notably, enrollment documentation informs participants that legal status is not a requirement to receive funding.

According to the New Bedford Guide, the course covers various topics including organizing, public narrative, city government, immigration history, racism, and equity.

This initiative is also backed by the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, known for funding deportation defense lawyers and opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Graduates of the program have reportedly used their training to advocate for issuing driver’s licenses to undocumented migrants and promoting rent control initiatives throughout the city, as noted by the New Boston Post.

City officials have not disclosed how many migrants have enrolled in or graduated from this program funded by taxpayer dollars.

The funding for the initiative has extended beyond the initial $575 payouts. In 2025, the same program even offered grants up to $10,000 per participant.

Boston’s PBS affiliate, GBH-TV, reported that city hall allocated $4.5 million for migrant services sourced from both private and public funding.