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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)

Good News 3/13/25

Good News

Last week, Representative Sylvia Garcia re-introduced the Dream and Promise Act. This bill would provide a pathway to US citizenship for most DACA recipients, other DREAMers, and those on Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Enforced Departure. Various lawsuits against the administration’s xenophobic actions continue to make their way through the courts. Some recent updates include: … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Update: 3/13/2025

Policy Updates

On Wednesday, USCIS officially published it new regulations laying out the process for Registration. Immigrants who are not already registered are expected to make a myUSCIS account and fill out Form G-325R online. The will then be given an appointment for biometrics (fingerprints, photo, and signature) to complete the registration process. Registrants would then be … Continued

Legislators and Advocates push for the Language Access and Inclusion Act

In the wake of the federal English-only Executive Order, Massachusetts legislators and advocates call for state action

Blog

On Saturday, President Trump signed an Executive Order making English the official language of the United States, a first in our nation’s nearly 250 year history. The EO would theoretically allow government agencies and others who receive federal funding to choose whether or not to continue providing documents and services in languages other than English. … Continued

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

3/6/25 The Good News

Good News

Last week, Representative Sylvia Garcia re-introduced the Dream and Promise Act. This bill would provide a pathway to US citizenship for most DACA recipients, other DREAMers, and those on Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Enforced Departure. On March 5, mayors from Boston, Chicago, Denver, and New York testified before the House Oversight Committee in a … Continued

Policy Update Federal

3/6/25 Policy Update

Policy Updates

Last Monday, USCIS launched a new webpage explaining “Alien Registration”, the first step in fulfilling the president’s order to register all non-citizens in the United States. This process is still in the early stages, and little is known outside of what is contained on the USCIS webpage, including how registration is expected to occur or … Continued

Thank you Mayor Wu

Congressional Hearing and Rally for Mayor Wu at City Hall

Blog

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu spent six hours yesterday testifying before the House Oversight Committee on the city’s Trust Act, which limits the city’s involvement in the enforcement of federal civil laws and helps to promote cooperation between police and the city’s diverse communities. Much of Wu’s testimony was devoted to pushing back on false and … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

Press Statement: Researchers and Advocates Secure $350,000 Grant to Advance Pro-Immigrant Narrative Change, Improve Immigrant Well-Being Two-year narrative research program will help drive pro-immigrant policy reform

News

Press Statement FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 28, 2025 Researchers and Advocates Secure $350,000 Grant to Advance Pro-Immigrant Narrative Change, Improve Immigrant Well-Being Two-year narrative research program will help drive pro-immigrant policy reform Boston, MA – To promote positive, accurate stories about immigrants in Massachusetts, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) has awarded a $350,000 grant to the … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

Press statement: MIRA Coalition Condemns President Trump’s Planned National Language Executive Order (with links to Portuguese, Haitian Creole and Spanish translations)

News

PRESS STATEMENT For Immediate Release February 28, 2025 Boston, MA – In response to President Trump’s planned executive order making English the country’s national language and eliminating requirements that agencies and other recipients of federal funds offer language assistance to non-English speakers, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

Press Statement: MIRA Coalition Condemns Trump Administration’s Planned Immigrant Registry (with links to Portuguese & Haitian Creole translations)

News

Boston, MA – This week the Trump administration announced their plan to require all immigrants without status over the age of 14 to register with the U.S. Government and provide fingerprints or risk criminal prosecution. In response, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, issued the following statement: “Forcing … Continued

Policy Update Federal

MIRA’s Registration Guidance

Policy Updates

On Monday, USCIS launched a new webpage explaining “Alien Registration”, the first step in fulfilling the president’s order to register all non-citizens in the United States. This process is still in the early stages, and little is known outside of what is contained on the USCIS webpage, including how registration is expected to occur or … Continued