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

Just Good News 4/3/2025

Good News

Check out this week’s installment of “To Immigrants With Love”, a letter writing interactive exhibit that MIRA featured at Immigrants’ Day at the Statehouse! The American Immigration Council filed a lawsuit to protect immigrants nationwide against the Trump administration’s plan to turn the U.S. into a “show me your papers” state.  People continue to organize … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Termination of CHNV Parole Policy Update 3/31/25

Policy Updates

      Aktyalizasyon Politik Revokasyon nan CHNVparole 3/31/2025 Administrasyon Trump te anonse ke li pral mete fen nan pwoteksyon pou moun ki te antre nan pwogram CHNV parole (yo rele tou “pwogram Biden”). Si revokasyon an vin anvigè, moun ki te antre nan pwogram CHNV yo ap gen parole yo ak otorizasyon travay yo … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

Press Statement: MIRA Coalition Condemns Arrest of Tufts University PhD Student by Immigration Authorities

Uncategorized

For Immediate Release March, 28, 2025 MIRA Coalition Condemns Arrest of Tufts University PhD Student by Immigration Authorities Boston, MA – In response to the arrest of Turkish national Rumeysa Ozturk earlier this week in Somerville, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, issued the following statement: “Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish student … Continued

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

Good News 3/27/25

Good News

Note from the “To Immigrants With Love” interactive exhibit at MIRA’s Immigrants’ Day at the Statehouse event Some inspiring words from Guerline Jozef of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, who honored us as the keynote speaker at MIRA’s Immigrants’ Rights conference last week: “This country is ours. We will continue to make it better for those … Continued

Clebrating women's history month

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Honoring 3 of the many powerful women who contributed to MIRA’s first Immigrants Rights Conference

Blog

“This country is ours. We will continue to make it better for those who are yet to come as we honor those who came before us.” Guerline Jozef – Haitian Bridge Alliance Last week MIRA hosted our first Immigrants’ Rights Conference, Preparing for Action, aimed at preparing our community and coalition members to advocate for … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Update 3/27/25

Policy Updates

On Tuesday, the Trump Administration officially announced the termination of the categorical parole program for people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV parole programs). While this move has been expected, it is still deeply disturbing and inhumane to force more than 500,000 vulnerable people to return to countries that suffer from intense political and … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy updates 3/21/25

Policy Updates

In perhaps the most disturbing developments of the last few weeks has been the targeting of activists by immigration authorities. In Colorado, activist and mother Jeanette Vizguerra, who had also been a target during Trump’s first term, was arrested by immigration authorities and is currently being detained at a facility in Aurora. Also in Colorado, … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

MEDIA ADVISORY: Wednesday, 3/19: Impacted Immigrants, State Lawmakers, Advocates Join MIRA Coalition for 29th Annual Immigrants Day at the State House (Haitian Creole, Simplified Chinese Translations)

News

For Immediate Release March 13, 2025 BOSTON – Immigrants directly impacted by the Trump administration’s dangerous, xenophobic policies will join the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, state lawmakers, and  advocates to rally in support of immigrants at the 29th annual Immigrants Day at the State House event.   “We here in Massachusetts know that … Continued