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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 

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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

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 2/26/26

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ICE admitted in a letter to Senator Disk Durbin of Illinois that it had arrested 261 DACA beneficiaries and deported 86 of them in the first 10 months of 2025. While ICE claims in the letter that 241 of the individuals have “criminal histories”, it does not provide any details of what types of histories … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 2/19/2026

Policy Updates

The Trump Administration’s immigration enforcement tactics continue to face headwinds in federal courts. A recent Reuters review of court records shows that federal judges have ruled over 4,400 times against the illegal detention of immigrants just since October. Last week, a federal court blocked enforcement actions at certain houses of worship, including some in Massachusetts. … Continued

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

MIRA Coalition Responds to President Trump’s Decision to Broaden ICE’s Ability to Detain Refugees 

News

BOSTON, MA –  In response to the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to expand federal immigration authorities’ ability to detain refugees, Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, issued the following statement: “This latest policy is a blatant, discriminatory attack on individuals who are legally present in this country, all … 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

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 2/12/2026

Policy Updates

Congress must pass funding for DHS this week or face a partial shutdown. Congress extended funding for the agency for 2 weeks to facilitate negotiations on demands for agency accountability, with that extension expiring this Friday. Following the fatal shootings in Minnesota, many Democrats in Congress have said that they will not vote to continue … Continued