Miranda turns Hamilton milestone into immigration fundraiser

Canada News.Net

2 days ago

NEW YORK CITY, New York: Lin-Manuel Miranda is using the 10th anniversary performance of Hamilton on Broadway not just to celebrate the show's cultural legacy, but to support immigrants across the United States.
The special performance on August 6 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre will serve as a fundraiser for the Immigrants: We Get the Job Done Coalition, a group of 14 nonprofits offering legal and social services to immigrants. The evening is expected to raise around US$3 million, with contributions from Miranda, the Miranda Family, the Miranda Family Fund, and the current Hamilton cast.
"His narrative in our country kind of mirrors that of an immigrant story," Miranda said of Alexander Hamilton. "He didn't grow up here. He came from the Caribbean, escaping harsh circumstances. And he really helped shape this country."
While Hamilton wouldn't have called himself an immigrant, Miranda said, the story continues to resonate as an expression of the American immigrant experience.
The audience for the invite-only performance will include every actor who has performed in Hamilton's Broadway run. Miranda hinted at surprise elements during the curtain call and post-show celebration but kept details under wraps.
Most of the guests will be winners of a Prizeo sweepstakes, which raised donations for the immigrant coalition. The Hispanic Federation is offering a few dozen VIP packages priced between $2,500 and $10,000.
The anniversary comes at a time of heightened tension around immigration, as President Donald Trump's administration pushes forward with mass deportation plans and cuts to federal support for immigrant services.
"One of America's greatest exports—for me growing up—was the immigration narrative," Miranda said. "I'll continue to fight for that and support organizations that are helping that cause."
Organizations set to benefit include the National Immigration Law Center, Tahirih Justice Center, and Haitian Bridge Alliance. Many have been impacted by shrinking federal funding and political pressure. Frankie Miranda, president of the Hispanic Federation, said more than 125,000 donors have already contributed.
"I think it is the beginning of what could be an incredible movement," he said. "We've seen people taking to the streets, and now they're stepping up to support these causes financially."
Advocates say the funding will help cover legal services, policy advocacy, and education initiatives at a time when many immigrants face growing fear and uncertainty.
"Lin-Manuel Miranda being willing to use the Hamilton platform just shows real leadership," said Aarti Kohli, executive director of the Asian Law Caucus.
"We are the firewall between authoritarianism and democracy."
For Miranda, the enduring power of the line "Immigrants: We get the job done"—spoken in the musical by Hamilton and Lafayette—still surprises him.
"From the moment it was performed on stage, the audience reaction was so joyous," he said. "It's one of the things that just heartens me and gives me hope."