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Author: Laura Perras

Featured Author: Laura Perras

Policy Updates – 10/22/2026

DHS indefinitely extended TPS for Ukraine and Sudan on Monday; those with protections will retain status for the time being. TPS for these countries was set to expire on October 19, but the agency declined to announce any decision on the future of over 100,000 people impacted, only saying that an announcement “will be made … Continued

Advancing Policy Solutions for Immigrant Mental Health

Immigrant and refugee families in Massachusetts are carrying an enormous weight. Increased enforcement, the loss of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for many families, including many with children who are U.S. citizens, and constant federal policy shifts are taking a real toll on mental health. Meanwhile, people seeking help face long wait times, language gaps, insurance … Continued

TPS for Ukraine and Sudan still valid

TPS for Ukraine and Sudan still valid Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections are still in effect for TPS holders from Ukraine and Sudan. The TPS designation for Ukraine and Sudan was set to expire on October 19, 2026. However, the Trump Administration has not announced whether the designation will be terminated or extended. Until further … Continued
Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 2/26/26

Uncategorized

ICE admitted in a letter to Senator Disk Durbin of Illinois that it had arrested 261 DACA beneficiaries and deported 86 of them in the first 10 months of 2025. While ICE claims in the letter that 241 of the individuals have “criminal histories”, it does not provide any details of what types of histories … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 2/19/2026

Policy Updates

The Trump Administration’s immigration enforcement tactics continue to face headwinds in federal courts. A recent Reuters review of court records shows that federal judges have ruled over 4,400 times against the illegal detention of immigrants just since October. Last week, a federal court blocked enforcement actions at certain houses of worship, including some in Massachusetts. … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

MIRA Coalition Responds to President Trump’s Decision to Broaden ICE’s Ability to Detain Refugees 

News

BOSTON, MA –  In response to the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to expand federal immigration authorities’ ability to detain refugees, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, issued the following statement: “This latest policy is a blatant, discriminatory attack on individuals who are legally present in this country, all … Continued

MIRA's FY27 Budget Advocacy Campaign

MIRA’s budget advocacy campaign is underway for FY27!

Blog

The annual state budget is the lifeline for state and local programs and services that benefit all communities—including our Commonwealth’s many immigrant communities. The Governor’s release of her proposed FY27 budget bill on January 28th signaled the official start of budget season at the Massachusetts State House. We are grateful to the Governor for her … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 2/12/2026

Policy Updates

Congress must pass funding for DHS this week or face a partial shutdown. Congress extended funding for the agency for 2 weeks to facilitate negotiations on demands for agency accountability, with that extension expiring this Friday. Following the fatal shootings in Minnesota, many Democrats in Congress have said that they will not vote to continue … Continued

To Immigrants With Love

To Immigrants With Love

Blog

These are frightening and stressful times. So today, we wanted to share something a little different — something to remind us all that we are not alone, and that we are deeply valued. Last year at Immigrants’ Day at the State House, visitors stopped by our letter-writing station to pen messages of love and support … Continued

Beacon Hill Is Moving on Immigration - Here's What's On the Table

Beacon Hill is Moving on Immigration: Here’s What’s on the Table

Blog

It is a pivotal moment on Beacon Hill. After months of increasingly aggressive federal immigration enforcement, Massachusetts policymakers last week launched a flurry of new immigration bills and policy proposals. These proposals aim to strengthen due process, improve oversight, and protect residents from federal overreach. Two proposals are especially notable. Not only are they significant … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 2/5/26

Policy Updates

In a very welcome bit of good news, a federal judge in Washington, D.C. issued a last minute reprieve to Haitians legally in the US under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Despite having issued a travel advisory in July due to “kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, and limited health care,” the Trump Administration determined in … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 1/29/26

Policy Updates

As the world watches, the impact of Saturday’s murder of Alex Pretti continues to reverberate across the country. Administration officials are playing the blame-game while legislators on both sides of the aisle are calling for DHS Secretary Noem to step down. Although the administration has removed Greg Bovino from command of day-to-day operations in Minnesota, … Continued