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Featured Tag: MIRA coalition blog

Policy Updates – 10/22/2026

DHS indefinitely extended TPS for Ukraine and Sudan on Monday; those with protections will retain status for the time being. TPS for these countries was set to expire on October 19, but the agency declined to announce any decision on the future of over 100,000 people impacted, only saying that an announcement “will be made … Continued

Advancing Policy Solutions for Immigrant Mental Health

Immigrant and refugee families in Massachusetts are carrying an enormous weight. Increased enforcement, the loss of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for many families, including many with children who are U.S. citizens, and constant federal policy shifts are taking a real toll on mental health. Meanwhile, people seeking help face long wait times, language gaps, insurance … Continued

TPS for Ukraine and Sudan still valid

TPS for Ukraine and Sudan still valid Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections are still in effect for TPS holders from Ukraine and Sudan. The TPS designation for Ukraine and Sudan was set to expire on October 19, 2026. However, the Trump Administration has not announced whether the designation will be terminated or extended. Until further … 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