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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

Protecting Our Immigrant Communities Campaign Launch!

Blog

It’s official! On Wednesday, MIRA Coalition members, state legislators, and allied organizations and immigrant community members rallied on the State House steps for a press conference launching the Protecting Our Immigrant Communities campaign, and pressed for state action on proposed legislation that would defend immigrant communities from federal overreach. Headlined by lead sponsors of the … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

Statement in response to President Trump’s proposal to use Guantánamo Bay as a detention center for immigrants in deportation proceedings

News

In response to President Trump’s proposal to detain immigrants undergoing deportation proceedings in Guantánamo Bay, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, issued the following statement: “Detaining immigrants in Guantánamo Bay is as absurd as it is inhumane. President Trump once again is trying to distract the public by … Continued

Policy Update Federal

1/30/25 Federal Policy Update

Policy Updates

On Monday, the Trump Administration placed a freeze on trillions of federal spending, including grants. This freeze would have impacted a broad array of federal spending, including funds for citizenship programs, Head Start, energy assistance, shelter funding, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. These cuts would have devastated communities, organizations, and state budgets, and the … Continued

1/30/2025 Protecting Our Immigrant Communities Rally Press Release

News

Press Release For Immediate Release January 30, 2025 Contact: Alex Psilakis | apsilakis@melwoodglobal.com | (508) 641-9761 State Lawmakers, Immigration Advocates Gather to Launch “Protect Our Immigrant Communities” Campaign Pro-immigrant rally illustrated the need for Massachusetts to push back against President Trump’s xenophobic rhetoric and executive orders BOSTON – On Wednesday, January 29, the Massachusetts Immigrant … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

Advisory: State Lawmakers, Immigration Advocates to Host Rally Launching “Protect Our Immigrant Communities” Campaign

News

State Lawmakers, Immigration Advocates to Host Rally Launching “Protect Our Immigrant Communities” Campaign Campaign to highlight ways Massachusetts must push back against President Trump’s xenophobic rhetoric and executive orders BOSTON – The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition will rally alongside state lawmakers and fellow advocates to launch the “Protect Our Immigrant Communities” Campaign, … Continued

Policy Update Federal

1/24/2025 Federal Policy Update

Policy Updates

Click here for printable graphics  Expanded Expedited Removal The Trump administration has announced that it will move to quickly deport individuals who were not lawfully admitted and have been in the US for less than 2 years without giving them the opportunity to go in front of an immigration judge unless they pass an initial … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Federal Policy Update 1/23/25

Policy Updates

We have seen a whirlwind of activity in DC over the past week, both administrative and executive. Late last week, the Senate passed their version of the Laken Riley Act, which the House had approved the week prior. The Senate version, however, included a provision that mandates detention and deportation for those accused, but not … Continued