Skip to content

Tag: Safe Communities Act

Featured Tag: Safe Communities Act

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

Lawmakers, activists renew push for ‘sanctuary state’ bill

News

Democratic lawmakers announced Tuesday they’ll renew their push to make Massachusetts a sanctuary state, joining activists in saying the action is needed to ensure all residents can seek medical care, emergency aid, and court and police protection without fear of deportation, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Read more at ABC6.

A big milestone for the Safe Communities Act

News

BOSTON – Today the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security reported out the Safe Communities Act (S.1401 and H.3573) with a recommendation that it “ought to pass.” The bill now goes to the House Ways and Means Committee. The Safe Communities Coalition, a diverse group of immigrant community leaders, civil rights and legal advocates, faith … Continued

Business owners make their case for the Safe Communities Act

News

At a legislative briefing, members of the Massachusetts Business Immigration Coalition said the climate of fear directly affects their workers, even though they have lawful status.  BOSTON, November 6, 2019 – Seana Gaherin and her husband have run Dunn Gaherin’s, in Newton, for 28 years, with a staff made up mainly of immigrants. They have … Continued

Mass. Legislature abdicates moral leadership in budget deal

News

Today the Conference Committee released its version of the FY2019 state budget, stripped of four provisions to protect immigrant families that the Massachusetts Senate had overwhelmingly approved in May. Eva A. Millona, executive director of the MIRA Coalition, responded with the following statement: “We are deeply disappointed. The Massachusetts Legislature had a prime opportunity to … Continued

A crucial victory for immigrants and civil rights in the Mass. Senate budget

News

Last night, after a thoughtful and substantive debate, the Massachusetts Senate voted 25–13 to approve Sen. Jamie Eldridge’s amendment #1147, which adds four key protections for immigrants to the state budget for FY2019. In particular, the amendment bars police from asking about people’s immigration status unless required by law; ends 287(g) contracts that deputize state and … Continued