Laura Perras, Author at MIRA Coalition

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

Mes de la Herencia Hispana: La libertad que llevamos a través de las fronteras

In English La libertad que llevamos a través de las fronteras colaboración de Luciano Paskevicius, Lowell Alliance Cuando se habla del Mes de la Herencia Hispana, la conversación suele centrarse en la comida, la música, el idioma y las tradiciones. Todo eso es importante, pero para mí, la herencia vive en un lugar más profundo. … 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

Good News – 10/9/2025

Good News

October 9, 2025

IN THE COURTS On Friday, the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston sided with plaintiffs against the Trump Administration’s efforts to deny birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment. The court was clear that this was not a hard decision to reach, despite the fact that the opinion was 100 pages long. This is the … Continued

Policy Updates – 10/9/2025

Policy Updates

October 9, 2025

On Friday, the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston sided with plaintiffs against the Trump Administration’s efforts to deny birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment. The court was clear that this was not a hard decision to reach, despite the fact that the opinion was 100 pages long. This is the second federal appeals … Continued

We’re Expanding Our Immigration Helpline, and We Need YOU!

News

October 4, 2025

We’re Expanding Our Immigration Helpline, and We Need YOU! The Immigration Helpline is expanding, and we’re looking for compassionate, dedicated volunteers to help answer calls from immigrants and service providers across Massachusetts. Volunteer Tasks: Virtual Info Session: Wednesday, October 29th at 12:30 -1:30pm Register for our info session here No legal experience required – training … Continued

Policy Updates – 10/2/2025

Policy Updates

October 2, 2025

With Congress and the White House unable to agree on federal funding for Fiscal Year 2026, the government entered another shutdown on October 1st. Here’s how the government shutdown will impact various federal operations: ICE: Considered “essential” law enforcement work and will continue with little disruption. The OBBBA provided $35 billion through Sep 2029, which … Continued

Good News – 10/2/2025

Good News

October 2, 2025

IN THE COURTS U.S. will consider new applications for DACA for the first time in years For the first time in four years, the federal government plans to begin processing initial applications for DACA, the Obama-era program that grants deportation protection and work permits to immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. The move, outlined … Continued

Growing up Cuban American written by MIRA's Director of Advocacy Gil Calderin

The Gift of Dual Identity: Growing Up Cuban American by Gil Calderin, MIRA’s Director of Advocacy

Blog

October 2, 2025

Growing up Cuban American, I learned early that identity cannot be contained within a checkbox on a census form or an application. Our lives are not boxes to be ticked. Instead, they are stories layered with experiences and alive with the cultures, struggles, and joys that shape us. For me, my identity has been built … Continued

October 12 HONK! Festival of Activist Street Bands

HONKfest 2025!

Uncategorized

September 26, 2025

Join MIRA in Protecting Our Immigrant Communities! HONK! ACTIVIST FESTIVAL October 12, 2025 12pm – 2pm This free event unites brass bands from all over the world to Somerville for a celebration of music, community and activism. Join us on Sunday, Oct. 12th as we march from Davis Square to Harvard Square, to advocate for … Continued

Policy Updates – 9/26/25

Policy Updates

September 26, 2025

On September 18, the administration announced major changes to the naturalization exam. The current exam consists of 100 possible questions, of which the applicant will be asked 10 and must get 6 correct in order to pass. The new test, which will apply to applications filed on or after October 20th, will have 128 possible … Continued

Good News – 9/26/25

Good News

September 26, 2025

IN THE COURTS On September 18, The judge in State of California v. United States Department of Agriculture issued a temporary restraining order to stop USDA from taking any further steps to demand SNAP recipient’s personal data or impose fiscal penalties on the 20 states and DC that are parties in the lawsuit. In addition, … Continued

Good News – 9/18/2025

Good News

September 18, 2025

IN THE COURTS Judge blocks a Trump policy cutting off some social services for immigrants in the US illegally A federal judge has blocked Trump administration restrictions on federally-funded services for immigrants in the country illegally, including the federal preschool program Head Start, health clinics and adult education.The preliminary ruling by Hon. Mary McElroy was … Continued