Immigration Coalition Director

As executive director of the New York immigration Coalition, Margie McHugh works directly with newcomers to America, advising them of their rights and helping them settle in their new home. 

The Immigration Coalition is a non profit umbrella advocacy organization for all groups working with new immigrants. The Coalition provides a forum for the immigrant community to discuss issues which concern it and to lobby to address matters of urgency. 

McHugh, a graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, joined the Coalition in 1990. She previously worked in the mayor’s office as Deputy Director of the 1990 Census project and as executive assistant to Mayor Koch’s chief of staff. 

McHugh, as a member of the Board of the National Immigration Forum in Washington, D.C., is very conscious of the fearsome backlash against immigrants. “Not a day goes by that I don’t hear the same charges that were leveled against my grandparents and great-grandparents repeated almost verbatim about the newest waves of immigrants. I’m trying to do my part to move the debate back to a place where equity, reason, and conscience can prevail,” she said. 

Margie grew up in Yonkers, New York, one of a family of eight. Her great-grandparents were all born in Ireland and her paternal grandfather came from County Leitrim. 

In college, she was co-captain of the Radcliffe Crew, and became the head coach of the U.S. National Junior Rowing Team and the youngest head coach of the U.S. International Rowing squad.