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Featured Tag: MIRA coalition blog

Policy Updates – 9/17/26

With the administration’s new Public Charge rule set to go into effect on September 18, 22 states filed suit in federal court earlier this week in order to stop the rule. In their complaint, the states argue that the new rule “removes any meaningful guidance” regarding what USCIS officers may consider and that the administration … Continued

Hispanic Heritage Month: The Freedom We Carry Across Borders

En español The Freedom We Carry Across Borders contributed by Luciano Paskevicius, Lowell Alliance When people speak about Hispanic Heritage Month, the conversation often turns to food, music, language, and traditions. Those things matter, but for me, heritage lives somewhere deeper. It lives in the values and political ideas we carry from one generation to … Continued

The Shield Act

Senator Ed Markey Introduces The Shield Act

On Friday, Senator Ed Markey introduced the Securing Help for Immigrants Through Education and Legal Development (SHIELD) Act of 2026. If enacted, this bill would help build critical infrastructure and capacity to expand the availability of legal services for those facing deportation by: Patricia Sobalvarro, the Executive Director of Agencia ALPHA, and Liz Sweet, MIRA’s … Continued

MIRA's FY27 Budget Advocacy Campaign

MIRA’s budget advocacy campaign is underway for FY27!

The annual state budget is the lifeline for state and local programs and services that benefit all communities—including our Commonwealth’s many immigrant communities. The Governor’s release of her proposed FY27 budget bill on January 28th signaled the official start of budget season at the Massachusetts State House. We are grateful to the Governor for her … Continued

To Immigrants With Love

To Immigrants With Love

These are frightening and stressful times. So today, we wanted to share something a little different — something to remind us all that we are not alone, and that we are deeply valued. Last year at Immigrants’ Day at the State House, visitors stopped by our letter-writing station to pen messages of love and support … Continued

International Migrants' Day: Honoring Strength and Service

International Migrants’ Day: Honoring Strength and Service

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

International Human Rights Day: Recognizing the Pattern of Racist Exclusion

​​International Human Rights Day: Recognizing the Pattern of Racist Exclusion

December 10 marked International Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. It’s a day meant to celebrate the fundamental dignity and rights belonging to every person. Instead, we mark it amid what Amnesty International has called a “global human rights crisis” accelerated by the Trump administration’s policies—policies … Continued

Reaffirming Our Shared Humanity: Community Response to the SNAP Benefits Crisis

About 9,500 immigrants  with some form of immigration status in the US lost SNAP benefits on November 1, 2025, due to new eligibility restrictions GBH. A total of 1.1M residents in Massachusetts relied on SNAP before the federal government allowed it to expire. Meanwhile, ICE enforcement continues to be funded, terrorizing our communities and separating … Continued

Vote for a better future local elections matter november 4

Your Voice Matters: Vote in Your Local Elections on November 4

On November 4, 55 cities and towns across the Commonwealth will hold municipal elections. That means you have a chance to select the people who will make important decisions about your community—your mayor, city councilors, and local leaders. Every four years, our country pours its energy into the presidential race. But let’s be honest, the … Continued