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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
International Migrants' Day: Honoring Strength and Service

International Migrants’ Day: Honoring Strength and Service

Blog

Photo from left: MIRA’s IAS team: Catherine Kannam, Slandy Sanon, and Nahomie Vilnaigre, with colleague Obelle Pluviose (SaveSouls) December 18 marks International Migrants’ Day—a moment to recognize the courage of people who journey across borders in search of safety and opportunity, and to celebrate those who walk alongside them. At MIRA Coalition, our Immigrant Assistance … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 12/28/2025

Policy Updates

Call To Action: Proposed Public Charge Rule We have entered the home stretch of our race to collect comments in opposition to the administration’s proposed public charge rule. As many of you are already aware, the administration is trying to place additional obstacles along the pathway to a green card by eliminating existing regulations around … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

MIRA Coalition Condemns Trump Administration’s Expanded Travel Ban 

News

BOSTON, MA – The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) issued the following statement condemning the Trump administration’s proclamation expanding travel restrictions to include a total of 39 countries and the Palestinian territory. “Doubling the countries on the Trump administration’s discriminatory and racist travel ban will only serve to make our country and state less … Continued

International Human Rights Day: Recognizing the Pattern of Racist Exclusion

​​International Human Rights Day: Recognizing the Pattern of Racist Exclusion

Blog

December 10 marked International Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. It’s a day meant to celebrate the fundamental dignity and rights belonging to every person. Instead, we mark it amid what Amnesty International has called a “global human rights crisis” accelerated by the Trump administration’s policies—policies … Continued

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

Good News – 12/11/25

Good News

IN THE COMMUNITY Bostonians of the Year 2025: First responders, university presidents, and others who exemplified courage Speaking up with the world’s eyes upon them. Rushing into a burning building. Standing firm when others folded. In choosing the difficult path, they showed us what strength looks like. – Boston Globe Massachusetts Church’s ‘ICE Was Here’ … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 12/10/25

Policy Updates

Resistance to the administration’s Proposed Public Charge rule continues to gather steam as nearly 400 individuals and organizations have already submitted public comments. While this is a strong start, it is a far cry from the opposition that organizers mobilized against changes to public charge during the last Trump Administration. We encourage everyone to make … Continued

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

Good News – 12/4/25

Good News

IN THE COURTS MIRA Coalition, ACLU of Massachusetts Lead 17 Groups Filing  Brief Supporting Boston Trust Act The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), together with the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts (ACLUM), today filed an amicus brief on behalf of more than a dozen organizations in federal court to express support for … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 12/4/25

Policy Updates

President Trump has renewed his wildly racist attacks on Black immigrant populations, this time targeting Minnesota’s Somali population. This latest string of attacks are reminiscent of his attacks on Haitian immigrants in Ohio during the campaign and are similarly based on unfounded accusations in right-wing media. This time, instead of eating dogs, the community is … Continued

A Powerful Day on Beacon Hill: Community, Courage, and a Call for Action

A Powerful Day on Beacon Hill: Community, Courage, and a Call for Action

Blog

On Tuesday, November 25th, hundreds of advocates, community leaders, and impacted residents filled the Massachusetts State House for a day that showcased the strength, unity, and clarity of purpose behind the Protecting Massachusetts Communities (PMC) campaign. From an energizing pre-hearing rally to two packed public hearings, Massachusetts sent a powerful message: our communities are united … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

Statement: MIRA Coalition Condemns President Trump’s Halt to Immigration Cases 

News

BOSTON, MA – In response to President Trump halting all immigration applications from 19 countries, The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) Executive Director Elizabeth Sweet, issued the following statement: “Halting immigration cases from 19 countries and requiring a re-review of all individuals is not only discriminatory and inhumane, it is an attack on our legal immigration system which will … Continued