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Featured Tag: Federal Policy

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

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 2/26/26

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

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 

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

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 2/12/2026

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

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 2/5/26

In a very welcome bit of good news, a federal judge in Washington, D.C. issued a last minute reprieve to Haitians legally in the US under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Despite having issued a travel advisory in July due to “kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, and limited health care,” the Trump Administration determined in … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 1/29/26

As the world watches, the impact of Saturday’s murder of Alex Pretti continues to reverberate across the country. Administration officials are playing the blame-game while legislators on both sides of the aisle are calling for DHS Secretary Noem to step down. Although the administration has removed Greg Bovino from command of day-to-day operations in Minnesota, … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Updates – 1/22/26

Following warnings last week from Governor Mills and other officials, ICE launched Operation “Catch of the Day” in Maine this week with a focus on the cities of Portland and Lewiston. Although Maine has a relatively small immigrant population, it, like Minnesota, has a sizable African refugee population, particularly refugees from Somalia. This fits into … Continued

Policy Update Federal

Policy Update – Pause in Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries (1/16/26)

Pause in Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries This week, the media reported that the Trump Administration has issued new guidance instructing consular officers to suspend processing of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries. Interviews will continue but cases will then be placed in an administrative hold. The guidance cites concerns related to “public … Continued

ICE Shooting in Minneapolis: A Tragedy That Must Not Be Ignored

Fatal ICE Shooting in Minneapolis: A Tragedy That Must Not Be Ignored

Today we mourn the loss of 37-year old Rene Nicole Macklin Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. Despite the administration’s claims that Ms. Macklin Good was a “domestic terrorist” and “violent rioter”, multiple videos of the event contradict that narrative. Instead the videos would appear to show a person who was uninvolved in any … Continued