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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

Q&A: SHNS Talks With MIRA Coalition’s Elizabeth Sweet

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As Massachusetts gears up for a second Donald Trump administration, advocates and officials are preparing for the statewide impacts of potential federal changes to the immigration system. Someone at the helm of that work is Elizabeth Sweet, executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition. MIRA serves as a membership coalition of more … Continued

State Lawmakers, Advocates, and Internationally-Trained Physicians Celebrate New Law Addressing Massachusetts Physician Shortage

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BOSTON – State lawmakers joined immigration and healthcare advocates, as well as internationally-trained physicians, to celebrate the passage of a new law that will help the state address its severe physician shortage and empower immigrant physicians to put their knowledge and skills to use to serve the residents of the Commonwealth. “Expanding avenues for qualified … Continued

Featured MIRA Member Organization: SUUYT – Shut Up Until You There

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SUUYT is dedicated to empowering individuals holistically. Their mission is to guide individuals toward thriving, recognizing that every journey is unique. They prioritize mental health, foster community connections, offer personalized assistance, and harness the power of mentorship to unlock potential. Website: www.suuyt.org Contact Information: Email: rdjema@suuyt.org Phone: 781-888-1548 Programs Offered: Mental Health Support: Provided through … Continued

MIRA Coalition: Here and Ready

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In the days following the election, many of us at MIRA Coalition were feeling challenged.  Some of us were afraid for ourselves and our families.  Some of us worried about the workload ahead to speak up for immigrant rights under an administration hostile to immigrants.  Some of us felt simply overwhelmed at how to start … Continued

MIRA wraps up 35 TPS clinics in 50 days!

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MIRA, in partnership with the Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI), hosted a series of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) clinics across Massachusetts from September 30 to November 22, 2024. This large-scale collaborative effort, involving ORI, IFSI-USA, and numerous community-based organizations, successfully assisted over 3,200 individuals in applying for TPS. TPS is a humanitarian program that … Continued

Victory for the Physicians Pathway Act!

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Thanks to your support, on Wednesday, November 20th, Governor Healey signed the Physician Pathway Act into law! Tucked inside the massive economic development bill enacted last week, the Physician Pathway Act will address acute physician shortages in underserved communities by mobilizing the expertise of our Commonwealth’s experienced internationally-trained physicians. The new law will create a … Continued

Statement in Response to the Election of Donald Trump an J.D. Vance as President and Vice President of the United States

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In response to the election of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance as President and Vice President of the United States, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, issued the following statement: “This election cycle has left immigrants who call America home, as well as hopeful immigrants in need of … Continued