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International Coffee Day

Blog post contributed by MIRA’s Communications Specialist, Farah Jeune Did you know that October 1st is International Coffee Day?! This annual celebration honors coffee as a popular daily beverage but also a bean that connects cultures around the world. Massachusetts is home to the second largest Brazilian population in the United States and Brazil is … Continued

MIRA’s Branding Refresh

Renewing Our Commitment and Celebrating Strength and Resolve as a Coalition For almost 40 years, MIRA has stood with immigrant and refugee communities across Massachusetts. As we’ve grown, it became clear it was time for a new look, one that moves beyond our state-shaped logo. We wanted our new branding to encompass the values underpinning … Continued

Update on the Massachusetts Shelter Crisis: Families Left Without Shelter Sleep Outside Wollaston MBTA Station

The recent changes to the Massachusetts Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter system have directly led to a worsening crisis, exemplified by 50 Haitian immigrants, including children and infants, sleeping outside the Wollaston MBTA station in Quincy. These changes, introduced by the Healey Administration at the beginning of August, have drastically limited access to state shelters, forcing … Continued

Federal Update: Parole In Place

On Monday, the Biden Administration began accepting applications for the new Parole in Place program that would reduce barriers to a green card for 500,000 people across the country (see MIRA’s Fact Sheet). While the new “Parole in Place” program does not create a new pathway to US citizenship (only Congress can do that), it … Continued

State Policy Updates – formal legislative session ends with PPA in limbo, state budget delivers on policy, but restrained on funding

Formal legislative session ends with PPA in limbo The formal legislative session ended last week without House and Senate negotiators reaching agreement on a number of major pending bills – including the economic development bond bill (the Mass Leads Act) that contained Physician Pathway Act legislation, a MIRA priority that enjoyed remarkable progress and support … Continued

“Never Say Never” – A Refugee Story by Ruth Koha James

My name is Ruth Koha James, and I am the Membership Coordinator at MIRA Coalition. I have been working at MIRA Coalition for exactly 4 months and 1 day. Before joining as an employee, I volunteered with MIRA’s Citizenship Clinics, where I assisted applicants in filling out their N-400 applications for naturalization. During my interview … Continued

Senate’s Community College Push Would Open Doors for Immigrant Professionals

The Senate continued its strong commitment to broad educational access in the FY25 budget it passed last Friday, investing $117 million to support attendance at community colleges for Massachusetts students, including $75.5 million for a proposed free community college program and $10 million for books and supplies for low to moderate income students, as well … 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