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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
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

Policy Update Federal

1/21/25 Federal Policy Update: Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, Nicaragua Parole Program

Policy Updates

The Trump Administration has suspended processing of the parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans Click here for printable graphics  La administración de Trump suspendió el procesamiento del programa de parole humanitario para Cubanos, Haitianos, Nicaragüenses, y Venezolanos. Las solicitudes pendientes bajo el programa de CHNV no serán procesadas y no podrán presentar nuevas … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

Statement 1/20/2025

News

In response to President Trump’s recent anti-immigrant actions, and the executive orders expected to follow shortly, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the MIRA Coalition, issued the following statement:  “This is a dark day for America. This country is a nation of immigrants who work tirelessly day in and day out to provide a better life … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

Statement: EA Shelter Limit Changes

News

As the President-Elect threatens to launch the nation’s largest deportation effort in a matter of days, Massachusetts should be stepping up to protect our immigrant population. However, it appears Beacon Hill is giving into anti-immigrant rhetoric by putting forth plans that will cut off emergency shelter to far too many. This will put families and … Continued

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Blog

Monday January 20 we celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Did you know that the Civil Rights Act also included equity for Immigrants? In 1963, Martin Luther King and other civil rights groups organized the ‘March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom,’ which attracted over 250,000 people to rally for … Continued

Korean American Day: Celebrating Culture and Heritage

Blog

Every January 13th, Korean American Day honors the rich heritage and contributions of Korean Americans to the United States. This date marks the arrival of the first Korean immigrants in 1903, when 102 pioneers landed in Hawaii to work on sugar plantations. A century later, the occasion was first officially observed in 2003, and in … Continued

MIRA 2024 – Year In Review

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What an amazing year!  In 2024  MIRA launched our Advisory Committee, added several new board members, and welcomed quite a few new additions to the team: Daisy Guzman – Director of Development • AC Chavez Andonie – Corporate Engagement Specialist • Catherine Kannam – IAS Staff Attorney  • Slandy Sannon – IAS Program Coordinator • … Continued

It’s Time to Get in Formation! contributed by Farah Jeune, MIRA’s Communications Specialist

Blog

Last week, our staff had the wonderful opportunity to attend the annual National Immigrant Inclusion Conference (NIIC). Created by the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA), NIIC is the nation’s largest gathering of diverse leaders, advocates and supporters working on behalf of our country’s immigrants and refugees. Launched in 2008, NIIC draws over 1,000 allies … Continued