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Community Readiness in the Face of ICE Arrests

President Trump campaigned on a threat to deport one million immigrants from this country per year.  We saw an ongoing escalation of the numbers of immigrants targeted in Massachusetts throughout 2025 and continuing into early this year, but still well below deporting one million people.  However, this is beginning to change. Over this past year … Continued

Back to School: What Immigrant Families Should Know

As immigration enforcement increases across the country and protections such as Temporary Protected Status end for some countries, many immigrant families are living with fear and uncertainty. That fear is affecting whether some children make it to school. Recent data show that 17% of parents cited ICE activity near schools as a barrier to attendance. And that … Continued
Policy Update Federal

Policy Update – Pause in Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries (1/16/26)

News Policy Updates

Pause in Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries This week, the media reported that the Trump Administration has issued new guidance instructing consular officers to suspend processing of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries. Interviews will continue but cases will then be placed in an administrative hold. The guidance cites concerns related to “public … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 01/15/2026

Policy Updates

Tensions continue to mount in Minnesota following last week’s murder of Rene Good amid reports that hundreds more immigration officers will be joining over 2,000 already deployed across the state. The state, joined by the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, filed suit against the federal government to stop the surge of immigration officers. . … Continued

ICE Shooting in Minneapolis: A Tragedy That Must Not Be Ignored

Fatal ICE Shooting in Minneapolis: A Tragedy That Must Not Be Ignored

Blog

Today we mourn the loss of 37-year old Rene Nicole Macklin Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. Despite the administration’s claims that Ms. Macklin Good was a “domestic terrorist” and “violent rioter”, multiple videos of the event contradict that narrative. Instead the videos would appear to show a person who was uninvolved in any … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 01/08/2026

Policy Updates

Following the US operation in Venezuela, many of our community members find themselves even more confused than before about what their potential options are. In the immediate aftermath of the raid, Secretary Noem claimed that Venezuelans in the US could apply for refugee status, but that is not correct; you must be outside the US … Continued

MIRA Coalition Responds to Deadly Shooting in Minneapolis by ICE Official 

News

BOSTON, MA –  In response to the tragic and lethal shooting in Minneapolis, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, issued the following statement: “There is simply no reason for ICE agents to be on the streets of our communities doing the job of local law enforcement or deploying militaristic tactics which only … Continued

International Migrants' Day: Honoring Strength and Service

International Migrants’ Day: Honoring Strength and Service

Blog

Photo from left: MIRA’s IAS team: Catherine Kannam, Slandy Sanon, and Nahomie Vilnaigre, with colleague Obelle Pluviose (SaveSouls) December 18 marks International Migrants’ Day—a moment to recognize the courage of people who journey across borders in search of safety and opportunity, and to celebrate those who walk alongside them. At MIRA Coalition, our Immigrant Assistance … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 12/28/2025

Policy Updates

Call To Action: Proposed Public Charge Rule We have entered the home stretch of our race to collect comments in opposition to the administration’s proposed public charge rule. As many of you are already aware, the administration is trying to place additional obstacles along the pathway to a green card by eliminating existing regulations around … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

MIRA Coalition Condemns Trump Administration’s Expanded Travel Ban 

News

BOSTON, MA – The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) issued the following statement condemning the Trump administration’s proclamation expanding travel restrictions to include a total of 39 countries and the Palestinian territory. “Doubling the countries on the Trump administration’s discriminatory and racist travel ban will only serve to make our country and state less … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Update – Expanded Travel Ban 12/16/2025

News Policy Updates

Expanded Travel Ban The Trump administration has announced an expansion of the existing travel ban, adding to the following to the already existing list of 12 countries impacted by full restrictions on issuance of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas: Burkina Faso Mali Niger South Sudan Syria Individuals holding Palestinian-Authority issued documents Laos (previously subject to partial … Continued