Skip to content

News

Featured News

Changes to MassHealth Eligibility (10/1/2026)

Changes to MassHealth Eligibility New restrictions on immigrant eligibility for MassHealth begin to take effect today, October 1. These changes mean that some immigrants will no longer be eligible for comprehensive MassHealth (Medicaid), including those who have been granted asylum or refugee status, and victims of trafficking. Some – especially those over 65 or disabled … Continued

International Coffee Day

2026 International Coffee Day Blog post contributed by MIRA’s Communications Specialist, Farah Jeune Click here to jump to the video Did you know? 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 … Continued

MIRA Coalition Responds to Trump Administration’s Elimination of Funding

BOSTON, MA –  In response to the announcement made by the Trump administration eliminating $1 billion in immigrant services, of which the MIRA Coalition previously received $300,000, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, issued the following statement: “The Trump administration continues to target immigrants in its ongoing efforts … Continued

Back to School: What Immigrant Families Should Know

Blog MIRA Coalition Blog

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

MIRA MASSACHUSETTS IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE ADVOCACY COALITION

Black boys deserve to grow old: In memory of Pierre Damas Bel written by MIRA’s Communications Specialist, Farah Jeune

Blog MIRA Coalition Blog

How Trump’s immigration policies are impacting the mental health of our immigrant community members #NationalSuicidePreventionMonth Written by MIRA’s Communications Specialist, Farah Jeune Last Monday, August 31st  Pierre Damas Bel, a 20-year old student from Haiti, committed suicide by walking into traffic on an interstate highway in Springfield, Ohio. Pierre previously had Temporary Protected Status (TPS) … Continued

Back To School Season Is Here – A Message from MIRA Coalition’s Access & Resource Specialist Catherine Ramirez Mejia, MPP

Blog MIRA Coalition Blog

  My youngest sister is returning to school this week to begin her senior year. It feels like yesterday she was beginning kindergarten. There’s a trend where seniors wear a backpack with the cartoon character from their childhood. She was trying to decide between a My Little Pony, Dora the Explorer, or Power Rangers backpack, … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates 8/21/2026

Policy Updates

USCIS released new guidance on what it means to be a Public Charge this week. The agency had previously issued a new rule that effectively removed existing regulations on how the agency would adjudicate the question, and advocates have been waiting for this new guidance to understand what new restrictions the administration would be placing … Continued

make a plan Vote for a better future

Make a Plan to Vote in the Massachusetts Primary Election

Blog

Voting is one of the most important ways we can make our voices heard and help shape the future of our communities. While presidential and other federal elections often receive the most attention, the decisions that affect our everyday lives are made at every level of government. Local and state leaders make decisions about our … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 8/14/2026

Policy Updates

DHS once against showed its propensity towards violence this week when ICE officers drew their weapons on a peaceful protestor. Following what would now seem to be standard operating procedure for the agency, DHS immediately accused Carolina Molina of “weaponizing her vehicle” during the incident in Northern Virginia on Monday. But as has repeatedly happened … Continued

MIRA Coalition's Give Liberty a Hand 40 Immigrant Nominees for 40 Years

40 Immigrants for 40 Years – Submit your Nomination! MIRA’s Give Liberty a Hand

News

As we celebrate MIRA Coalition’s 40th anniversary at our 2027 Give Liberty a Hand event, we are honoring 40 Massachusetts based immigrants and children of immigrants whose leadership, service, advocacy, innovation, and contributions have strengthened communities across Massachusetts. Use the form below to submit your nominations! Submit your nominations here! Loading…

Policy Update Federal

New Asylum Processing Rule

News Policy Updates

New Asylum Processing Rule (7/31/2026) The Trump Administration published a new rule on July 28 about how Asylum Officers should process asylum applications. The rule allows Asylum Officers to transfer some asylum cases to immigration court for deportation proceedings without first interviewing the applicant. Situations in which an Asylum Officer may be able to do … Continued

Policy Update Federal

TPS ended for Haiti and Syria

News Policy Updates

TPS ended for Haiti and Syria (7/30/2026) The Trump Administration has terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections for Haiti and Syria effective July 27, 2026. This means that work permits issued through TPS are no longer valid. However, many TPS holders may have work permits issued in connection with another immigration benefit or pending application, … Continued