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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

Policy Update Federal

Policy Update: Status of Immigration Courts During Federal Government Shutdown 10/1/25

Status of immigration courts during federal government shutdown Despite the federal government shutdown, immigrants with upcoming immigration court hearings should plan to participate in their hearings. As of today, October 1, 2025, the Boston and Chelmsford immigration courts in Massachusetts are holding all scheduled hearings. It is possible that individuals will receive formal notifications that … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 9/26/25

On September 18, the administration announced major changes to the naturalization exam. The current exam consists of 100 possible questions, of which the applicant will be asked 10 and must get 6 correct in order to pass. The new test, which will apply to applications filed on or after October 20th, will have 128 possible … Continued

Good News (yellow sun coming out from behind grey cluds)

Good News – 9/26/25

IN THE COURTS On September 18, The judge in State of California v. United States Department of Agriculture issued a temporary restraining order to stop USDA from taking any further steps to demand SNAP recipient’s personal data or impose fiscal penalties on the 20 states and DC that are parties in the lawsuit.  In addition, … Continued

Good News (yellow sun coming out from behind grey cluds)

Good News – 9/18/2025

IN THE COURTS Judge blocks a Trump policy cutting off some social services for immigrants in the US illegally A federal judge has blocked Trump administration restrictions on federally-funded services for immigrants in the country illegally, including the federal preschool program Head Start, health clinics and adult education.The preliminary ruling by Hon. Mary McElroy was … Continued

National Citizenship Day – September 17th

September 17th is National Citizenship Day. As we celebrate new Americans who have taken the step to become U.S citizens, we fully acknowledge the massive threats and fears facing immigrant communities across the nation, which makes obtaining U.S. citizenship increasingly challenging. With rapidly changing policies and the ongoing attacks on immigrants by the Trump administration, … Continued

State Legislators Must Take Action on Immigration: Pass the Safe Communities Act

Tell your state legislators where you stand—email them today. Takes less than 60 seconds! State Legislators Must Take Action on Immigration For eight years, Massachusetts lawmakers have had a chance to pass the Safe Communities Act. Eight years. Since the Trump administration rolled out its first wave of anti-immigrant policies in 2017, this bill has … Continued

Policy Update: Expedited Removal Temporarily Blocked 9/8/25

On August 29th, a federal judge temporarily blocked the expedited removal of those who entered the country under parole.Under immigration law, expedited removal allows the government to deport those who entered without inspection within the previous 2 years. However the law also specifically excludes those who have been paroled into the country from being subject … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

MIRA Coalition Condemns Trump Administration Lawsuit Against Boston’s Trust Act

BOSTON, MA – In response to the Trump administration’s lawsuit against Boston’s Trust Act, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, issued the following statement: “Boston’s Trust Act has not just kept the city safe, but has created an environment where law enforcement officials and Boston’s immigrant communities have … Continued