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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
Spring Into Action A Day of Advoccacy and Community

Spring Into Action 2026: A Day of Advocacy and Community

Blog

“It is essential that we choose solidarity over tribalism. … We must choose community over chaos. Do not let them pit us against one another. Our freedoms and our destinies are tied. … This moment is not just for weathering the next 3 years. We are writing the next 100.” — Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Spring … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 3/19/2026

Policy Updates

In a widely anticipated move, the Trump Administration has appealed Temporary Protected Status cases to the Supreme Court. This emergency appeal relates to prior court decisions, including a Circuit Court decision earlier this month, that barred the administration from ending TPS protections for an estimated 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians. In prior appeals of TPS … Continued

Tell Your Legislators: Support the PROTECT Act!

Take Action Now – Pass the Protect Act

News

The human costs of the current administration’s mass deportation agenda continue to mount. 46 people have died in ICE custody since Trump took office, 17 from medical negligence. The administration has shifted tactics after the violence in Minneapolis – but deportations continue unabated – often with local help. ICE has secured 1,651 formal 287(g) agreements … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 3/12/2026

Policy Updates

On Friday, a federal appeals court affirmed a lower court ruling that the Trump Administration could not end TPS for the 350,000 Haitians living under the status in the US. The administration had appealed the early-February ruling, which had granted a last-minute reprieve to Haitians with TPS, to the US Court of Appeals in Washington, … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates 3/6/2026

Policy Updates

In late January, the State of Missouri sued the Department of Commerce arguing that temporary and undocumented residents should not be counted in the Decennial Census. The state is not only looking to change how the department collects information for the 2030 Census, but are also seeking that the nation redo the 2020 Census under … Continued

The Shield Act

Senator Ed Markey Introduces The Shield Act

Blog Policy Updates

On Friday, Senator Ed Markey introduced the Securing Help for Immigrants Through Education and Legal Development (SHIELD) Act of 2026. If enacted, this bill would help build critical infrastructure and capacity to expand the availability of legal services for those facing deportation by: Patricia Sobalvarro, the Executive Director of Agencia ALPHA, and Liz Sweet, MIRA’s … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

MIRA Coalition Praises Senator Markey’s SHIELD Act to Protect Immigrant Rights 

News

BOSTON, MA –  In response to Senator Edward J. Markey announcing the introduction of the Securing Help for Immigrants Through Education and Legal Development (SHIELD) Act, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, issued the following statement: “We know, and have consistently witnessed throughout this administration’s ongoing attacks on immigrants, … Continued