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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

Give Liberty a Hand: A Night of Celebration and Impact

MIRA’s 28th Annual Fundraiser Join us for an unforgettable evening at MIRA’s 28th annual “Give Liberty a Hand” fundraiser on Thursday, June 13th, at the elegant Seaport Hotel. This special night will bring together the community leaders, coalition members, policy makers, business leaders, and allies who work tirelessly to support and advocate for immigrants in … Continued

Thank you to the City of Boston for showing courage and compassion in supporting immigrants’ rights!

MAYOR’S OFFICE FOR IMMIGRANT ADVANCEMENT AWARDS $650,000 IN GRANTS TO 13 ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT IMMIGRANT WORKERS AND IMMIGRATION LEGAL ACCESS BOSTON- Thursday, May 9, 2024 – Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) today announced that the City is awarding $650,000 in grants to 13 nonprofits to increase the capacity of immigrant-serving organizations to … Continued

Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month: Embracing Our Identities and Stories

As we enter May, we embark on a significant journey of celebration and reflection—Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This month holds a special place in our hearts as we honor and amplify the diverse voices, cultures, and contributions of the AAPI community. For me, Tahia Mostafiz, originally from Bangladesh, this month represents … Continued

Biden Administration Expands ACA to include DACA Recipients

On Friday May 3, the Biden Administration finalized a rule to expand healthcare access to DACA recipients. The new rule, from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), includes DACA recipients in the definition of “lawfully present” under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), giving them access to Health Insurance Marketplace where they can purchase … Continued

MIRA Celebrates International Workers Day

International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, is celebrated around the world to honor the contributions and achievements of workers and to advocate for labor rights. Yesterday MIRA staff joined member organizations La Colaborativa, Brazilian Workers’ Center, and La Comunidad at the annual May Day march for workers’ rights organized by the May 1st … Continued

Statement: Work Permit Renewal Eligibility Extension

The Biden administration announced earlier today that it will extend the eligibility of work permit renewals to 540 days for those awaiting approval. Please see below a statement from Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, as well as some key facts on the announcement. “Immigrants want to work, … Continued

MIRA Coalition FY25 Budget Priorities 

MIRA Coalition FY25 Budget Priorities Essential services for newly arrived immigrants in emergency shelter  $2.2M for Year 2 of the Immigrant Assistance Services (IAS) Program in Line Item 4003-XXXX Administered by MIRA Coalition under contract with the Office of Refugees and Immigrants , IAS funds the critical work of our 15 frontline partner organizations to … Continued

Speaker Mariano Joins Policymakers and Advocates to Celebrate 28th Annual Immigrants Day at the State House

Speaker Mariano Joins Policymakers and Advocates to Celebrate 28th Annual Immigrants Day at the State House Boston, MA – Today, House Speaker Ron Mariano joined fellow legislators, immigrants rights advocates and the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition in applauding recent expansions in immigrant and refugee rights, while highlighting the progress that remains.    “I’m … Continued

Amid Massive Influx of International Arrivals, MIRA Coalition Launches Immigration Advocate Legal Helpline

Amid Massive Influx of International Arrivals, MIRA Coalition Launches Immigration Advocate Legal Helpline Boston, MA – The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition is launching an immigration advocate legal helpline to offer direct legal guidance to community organizations in response to the unprecedented need for services resulting from an influx of international arrivals. The helpline, … Continued