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Federal housing benefits update

Federal housing benefits update The Trump Administration published a new rule restricting access to federal housing for immigrants. The rule is scheduled to take effect on December 14, but it is not in effect now and the law has not changed yet. The new federal rule would: Eliminate HUD rental assistance for mixed-status families if … Continued

Policy Updates – 11/13/2026

Following last week’s grave defeat at the polls where 60% of voters disapproved of the administration’s immigration enforcement tactics, President Trump briefly raised hopes in a “60 Minutes” that we could see a change in approach after saying that his deportation agenda has been “too tough” and opening up the possibility that he could work … Continued

The U.S. Is Deporting Its Own Veterans

They Served. Now They and Their Families Are Being Deported. This week, the country marked Veterans Day with parades, speeches, and thanks for those who served. But immigrant veterans who served this country are being arrested and deported, and so are the family members the military promised to protect. For more than a decade, the … Continued
Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

MIRA Coalition Urges Leaders to Protect Communities from ICE Raids

News

PRESS STATEMENT For Immediate Release  January 26, 2026 BOSTON, MA –  In response to continued violence perpetrated by federal immigration officers, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, issued the following statement: “Another senseless death on the streets of Minneapolis and still too few of our leaders are demanding … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 1/22/26

Policy Updates

Following warnings last week from Governor Mills and other officials, ICE launched Operation “Catch of the Day” in Maine this week with a focus on the cities of Portland and Lewiston. Although Maine has a relatively small immigrant population, it, like Minnesota, has a sizable African refugee population, particularly refugees from Somalia. This fits into … 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