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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

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

Good News (yellow sun coming out from behind grey cluds)

Good News – 12/18/25

IN THE COURTS Judge blocks ICE from requiring members of Congress to provide prior notice before detention center visits – CBS News Kilmar Abrego Garcia freed from federal immigration detention on judge’s order and returns home – AP News US green card holder sues ICE over claims of ‘violent assault’ – The Guardian IN THE … Continued