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Tag: State policy

Featured Tag: State policy

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
POLICE ICE

Community Readiness in the Face of ICE Arrests

Blog MIRA Coalition Blog

President Trump campaigned on a threat to deport one million immigrants from this country per year.  We saw an ongoing escalation of the numbers of immigrants targeted in Massachusetts throughout 2025 and continuing into early this year, but still well below deporting one million people.  However, this is beginning to change. Over this past year … Continued

Senate releases version of the PROTECT Act

Senate Releases Version of the PROTECT Act

Policy Updates

Last week, the Massachusetts Senate took a historic step by passing the PROTECT Act (S.3072) with a bipartisan vote of 37–3. Senators filed 76 amendments during debate, with 7 ultimately adopted into the final Senate version of the bill. The Senate bill includes a clear prohibition against any new 287(g) “collaboration” agreements with ICE, which … Continued

Action Alert Support Immigrant Protections in the Annual State Budget

Action Alert – Support Immigrant Protections in the Annual State Budget!

News

  On May 5th, the Massachusetts Senate released its proposed FY27 annual budget for debate and passage later this month. Right now, state senators have made their budget priorities known to Senate leadership. Ask your state senators to vote in favor of MIRA’s FY27 Senate Budget Amendments that help protect immigrants against deportation: Amendment # … Continued

Massachusetts is ready – tell your State Senator to Protect Massachusetts Communities

Blog

Town by town, community by community, Massachusetts residents are making clear what they know to be true: immigrants belong here, and local governments have a role in keeping them safe. During the first Trump administration, 49 cities and towns passed local measures limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. That momentum hasn’t slowed. Plymouth just voted … Continued

Tell Your Legislators: Support the PROTECT Act!

Take Action Now – Pass the Protect Act

News

The human costs of the current administration’s mass deportation agenda continue to mount. 46 people have died in ICE custody since Trump took office, 17 from medical negligence. The administration has shifted tactics after the violence in Minneapolis – but deportations continue unabated – often with local help. ICE has secured 1,651 formal 287(g) agreements … Continued

The Shield Act

Senator Ed Markey Introduces The Shield Act

Blog Policy Updates

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

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

MIRA Coalition Praises Senator Markey’s SHIELD Act to Protect Immigrant Rights 

News

BOSTON, MA –  In response to Senator Edward J. Markey announcing the introduction of the Securing Help for Immigrants Through Education and Legal Development (SHIELD) Act, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, issued the following statement: “We know, and have consistently witnessed throughout this administration’s ongoing attacks on immigrants, … Continued

MIRA's FY27 Budget Advocacy Campaign

MIRA’s budget advocacy campaign is underway for FY27!

Blog

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

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

MIRA In Support of the PROTECT Act (H.D. 5608)

News

Today the MIRA Coalition was pleased to attend the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus’ press unveiling of a pro-immigrant bill, the PROTECT Act (H.D. 5608). Introduced by lead sponsors Caucus Chair Rep. Andy Vargas of Haverhill and Rep. Judith Garcia of Chelsea, the new bill reflects the consensus of the Caucus’ 27 members and incorporates … Continued