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Author: Farah Jeune

Featured Author: Farah Jeune

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

STATEMENT: DACA Ruling

News

Boston, MA – In response to U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen’s ruling that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is unlawful, but may remain in place as the policy works through the legal system, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition issued the following statement. “The most recent ruling on the … Continued

STATEMENT: Standing Up for Welcome in Massachusetts 

News

September 6th, 2023 Rooted in the value of inclusion, MIRA Coalition’s vision is a Commonwealth – and a nation – where all can thrive, no matter where they came from or how they got here, and all can fully participate in their community’s social, economic, and civic life. As new immigrants have arrived in Massachusetts, … Continued

STATEMENT: MIRA Coalition Condemns White Supremacy Rally in Woburn

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August 28, 2023   Boston, MA – On Saturday, August 26, a neo-Nazi white supremacist hate group, National Socialist Club 131 (NCS-131), rallied against recent international arrivals housed by the state at a hotel in Woburn. In response, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, issued the following statement. … Continued

Governor Healey, Speaker Mariano Celebrate Immigrant and Refugee Rights at 27th Annual Immigrants Day at the State House

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State leaders joined policymakers and advocates at the MIRA Coalition’s yearly event, celebrating new beginnings for immigrants and refugees across the Commonwealth Boston, MA – Governor Maura Healey and Speaker Ron Mariano, as well as state legislators and immigrants rights advocates, joined the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition to celebrate recent expansions of immigrant … Continued

STATEMENT: MIRA Coalition Issues Statement on Proposed Housing and Educational Support for Recent Arrivals

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Boston, MA – In response to Governor Healey’s supplemental budget bill filing to support recent arrivals, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition issued the following statement:   “We applaud Governor Healey for swiftly proposing $85 million to provide emergency housing and education support for the rapidly growing number of international arrivals coming … Continued

MEDIA ADVISORY: State Legislators, Advocates to Hold Press Conference in Support of Legislation Expanding Non-English Language State Resources

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Boston, MA – A coalition of policymakers, immigrant rights advocates, and directly-impacted individuals will host a press conference next Wednesday to advocate for the expansion of non-English language resources in the state’s public-facing state agencies: a move that would empower hundreds of thousands of limited English proficient speakers in Massachusetts. Policymakers and advocates will use … Continued

STATEMENT: MIRA Coalition Issues Statement on Proposed Funding Increase for Immigrant and Refugee Support

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  Boston, MA – In response to Governor Baker’s recent $139 million supplemental funding bill filing to support immigrant and refugee arrivals, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition issued the following statement:   “We are grateful that the Baker administration is seeking to set aside $130 million in funding to bolster access to emergency … Continued

STATEMENT: MIRA Coalition Issues Statement on U.S. District Court Ruling Striking Down Title 42

News

  Boston, MA – In response to the ruling by the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia striking down the Title 42 policy, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition issued the following statement: “We welcome the ruling from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia striking down … Continued

STATEMENT: MIRA Coalition Applauds State Expansion of Non-English Language Resources at RMV

News

  Boston, MA – In response to Governor Baker’s approval of the Economic Development Bill – which included a provision expanding language access resources for non-English speakers – Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition issued the following statement: “The MIRA Coalition is thrilled that, for the first time, … Continued