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Author: Laura Perras

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

Good News – 7/24/25

Good News

IN THE COURTS R.I., Mass., among states suing Trump administration over immigration status-based restrictions to safety net programs Twenty states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to stop it from restricting access to health, education, and social service programs based on immigration status. Connecticut sues Trump administration over new … Continued

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Good News – 7/10/25

Good News

But first: This week’s installment of “To Immigrants With Love” A letter from the interactive exhibit that MIRA featured at Immigrants’ Day at the Statehouse. WE ASKED. THEY ANSWERED. Thank you to the Massachusetts State Legislature and Governor Maura Healey for including funding for immigrant legal defense in the annual FY26 budget! The Protect Our … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Update 7/10/25

Policy Updates

Following the Supreme Court’s decision last month to block nationwide injunctions in the various birthright citizenship cases, plaintiffs immediately refiled their suits as class actions to cover all impacted individuals, not just the plaintiffs themselves. Today, the judge hearing the case in the New Hampshire District Court certified the class and issued a new preliminary … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

Protecting Our Immigrant Communities Campaign Celebrates Expanded Legal Aid for Immigrants

News

Press ReleaseFor Immediate ReleaseJuly 4, 2025 FY26 state budget includes $5 million to provide immigrants at risk of deportation with legal counsel BOSTON – The Protecting Our Immigrant Communities (POIC) campaign is celebrating the passage of $5 million in the FY26 state budget to help provide legal representation to immigrants at risk of deportation.  “Today, Massachusetts … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

MIRA Coalition Condemns Passage of the Federal Reconciliation Bill

News

PRESS STATEMENT • For Immediate Release  • July 3, 2025 BOSTON, MA – In response to the U.S. House of Representatives passage of the Federal Reconciliation Bill, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition issued the following statement: “It is both terrifying and sickening to watch President Trump and … Continued

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Now The Good News – 7/3/2025

Good News

IN THE COURTS Federal judge rules in favor of Haitians with TPS, restores February 2026 deadline US judge blocks Trump asylum ban at US-Mexico border, says he exceeded authority Delaware Lawmakers Pass Bill Banning Local Police Partnerships with ICE On the final day of its legislative session, Delaware lawmakers passed HB 182, a bill banning … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 7/3/2025

Policy Updates

In a somewhat confounding decision regarding birthright citizenship, the Supreme Court ruled on Friday against the use of nationwide injunctions. This decision follows three separate courts issuing preliminary to block the president’s executive order limiting the application of the 14th Amendment. The Court has essentially said that the injunctions should only apply to the named … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

MIRA Coalition Responds To the Trump administration’s recent decision to terminate Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation (Spanish and Haitian Creole Translations available)

News

In response to the Trump administration’s recent decision to terminate Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, issued the following statement: “Ending Temporary Protected Status for the half a million Haitians that have fled horrific violence and persecution in their home country is … Continued