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Featured Author: Laura Perras

Policy Updates – 9/17/26

With the administration’s new Public Charge rule set to go into effect on September 18, 22 states filed suit in federal court earlier this week in order to stop the rule. In their complaint, the states argue that the new rule “removes any meaningful guidance” regarding what USCIS officers may consider and that the administration … Continued

Hispanic Heritage Month: The Freedom We Carry Across Borders

En español The Freedom We Carry Across Borders contributed by Luciano Paskevicius, Lowell Alliance When people speak about Hispanic Heritage Month, the conversation often turns to food, music, language, and traditions. Those things matter, but for me, heritage lives somewhere deeper. It lives in the values and political ideas we carry from one generation to … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 1/29/26

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

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

MIRA In Support of the PROTECT Act (H.D. 5608)

Today the MIRA Coalition was pleased to attend the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus’ press unveiling of a pro-immigrant bill, the PROTECT Act (H.D. 5608). Introduced by lead sponsors Caucus Chair Rep. Andy Vargas of Haverhill and Rep. Judith Garcia of Chelsea, the new bill reflects the consensus of the Caucus’ 27 members and incorporates … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

MIRA Coalition Urges Leaders to Protect Communities from ICE Raids

PRESS STATEMENT For Immediate Release  January 26, 2026 BOSTON, MA –  In response to continued violence perpetrated by federal immigration officers, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, issued the following statement: “Another senseless death on the streets of Minneapolis and still too few of our leaders are demanding … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 1/22/26

Following warnings last week from Governor Mills and other officials, ICE launched Operation “Catch of the Day” in Maine this week with a focus on the cities of Portland and Lewiston. Although Maine has a relatively small immigrant population, it, like Minnesota, has a sizable African refugee population, particularly refugees from Somalia. This fits into … Continued

web designer wanted

WordPress Web Designer – MIRA Website Redesign (Design Phase)

WordPress Web Designer – Nonprofit Website Redesign (Design Phase) We’re seeking an experienced web designer to lead the visual redesign of our human rights nonprofit’s WordPress website. We’ve completed organizational rebranding and user research across departments, and need a designer to translate this into modern, cohesive design systems that our team can easily maintain. About … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 01/15/2026

Tensions continue to mount in Minnesota following last week’s murder of Rene Good amid reports that hundreds more immigration officers will be joining over 2,000 already deployed across the state. The state, joined by the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, filed suit against the federal government to stop the surge of immigration officers. . … Continued

ICE Shooting in Minneapolis: A Tragedy That Must Not Be Ignored

Fatal ICE Shooting in Minneapolis: A Tragedy That Must Not Be Ignored

Today we mourn the loss of 37-year old Rene Nicole Macklin Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. Despite the administration’s claims that Ms. Macklin Good was a “domestic terrorist” and “violent rioter”, multiple videos of the event contradict that narrative. Instead the videos would appear to show a person who was uninvolved in any … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 01/08/2026

Following the US operation in Venezuela, many of our community members find themselves even more confused than before about what their potential options are. In the immediate aftermath of the raid, Secretary Noem claimed that Venezuelans in the US could apply for refugee status, but that is not correct; you must be outside the US … Continued