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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
Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

MIRA Coalition, ACLU of Massachusetts Lead 17 Groups Filing  Brief Supporting Boston Trust Act

News

BOSTON, MA –  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 the Boston Trust Act, which is currently facing a legal challenge from the Trump administration. In September, the … Continued

Missing From The Table

Thanksgiving – Missing From The Table

Blog

As Americans across the country joined together with friends and family on Thursday to celebrate Thanksgiving, many realized that they had less to be thankful for than before. For many of us born and raised in the US, Thanksgiving has already become a complicated holiday as we reflect on the experiences of the Mashpee Wampanoag … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 11/25/2025

Policy Updates

Last week, the Trump Administration issued a new proposed rule regarding Public Charge, which could block many from access to a green card. Unlike the first Trump Administration, where they tried to significantly expand issues to be considered under a public charge test, this time the administration has just decided to get rid of the … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

NEWS ADVISORY:  Tuesday, 11/25: The Protecting Massachusetts Communities Campaign Holds Rally Urging Lawmakers to Defend Immigrant Rights                                                                      

News

Tuesday, 11/25: The Protecting Massachusetts Communities Campaign Holds Rally Urging Lawmakers to Defend Immigrant Rights Immigration Advocates, Labor Unions and Allies Across the State Gather to Advance Legislation to Shield Immigrants from Inhumane Enforcement Efforts Boston- The Protecting Massachusetts Communities (PMC) Campaign will gather Tuesday to urgently call on state leaders to pass legislation to defend immigrant … Continued

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

Good News – 11/20/2025

Good News

IN THE COURTS Text messages and a moved SUV: How the government’s case against a Chicago woman shot by a Border Patrol agent fell apart “It’s been hard,” she said. “I can’t sleep, but now I’m gonna go sleep.” A judge – after an extraordinary reversal by federal prosecutors – had just dismissed the charges … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 11/20/25

Policy Updates

On Wednesday, the Trump Administration returned to its assaults on vulnerable immigrants by proposing to revoke the Biden Administration’s Public Charge rule. As a refresher, the US has long required that immigrants not be primarily dependent on the government for subsistence and has used the public charge analysis to make this determination, usually when adjudicating … Continued

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

Good News – 11/12/2025

Good News

IN THE COURTS Federal judges reject ICE attempts to hold immigrants without bond Jose Andres Robles was denied a bond hearing and held for more than a month before a Minneapolis judge intervened. – Minnesota Star Tribune Judge Officially Declares Trump’s Top Immigration Goon a Liar In a humiliating courtroom defeat for the government—and setback … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 11/12/25

Policy Updates

While advocates wait for US Citizenship and Immigration Services to publish a new proposed rule on Public Charge, it would appear that the State Department has already issued guidance for their staff that would restrict visa issuance. The new guidance only applies to visas, both immigrant and non-immigrant, being processed at consular offices abroad, but … Continued

Reaffirming Our Shared Humanity: Community Response to the SNAP Benefits Crisis

Blog

About 9,500 immigrants  with some form of immigration status in the US lost SNAP benefits on November 1, 2025, due to new eligibility restrictions GBH. A total of 1.1M residents in Massachusetts relied on SNAP before the federal government allowed it to expire. Meanwhile, ICE enforcement continues to be funded, terrorizing our communities and separating … Continued