Immigration Alerts

Our Immigration Alert page provides helpful updates to keep you informed about recent changes that may affect you.

USCIS and Massachusetts Benefit Update

The federal government has recently made major changes to immigration fees and state benefits. Please read these updates carefully to protect your status and your health insurance.

USCIS Reminders

Things to Remember

  • NEW Annual Asylum Fee: You must pay a $100 fee every year if you have a pending or approved asylum case. You must pay this within 30 days of your anniversary date. If you do not pay, you could lose your work permit or your legal status.
  • Change of Address: Did you move to a new home? You must tell USCIS within 10 days. Give them your new address so you do not miss important mail about your case.

Helpful Links for USCIS

New Changes to SNAP and MassHealth

There are new federal rules for health insurance and food support that started in 2026. The state will send you letters if your benefits change. Always open your mail from the DTA or MassHealth right away.

What You Need to Know

  • MassHealth 6-Month Renewals: Starting in 2027, many adults (ages 19–64) must renew their health insurance every 6 months instead of once a year.
  • MassHealth Work Rules: Most adults must now show they are working, volunteering, or in school for at least 80 hours a month to keep their insurance.
  • SNAP (Food Support) Eligibility: Some immigrant groups no longer qualify for food benefits. If you have SNAP now, it will not stop today, but it may stop during your next Recertification (Case Review) meeting.

Helpful Links for Benefits

Remember Your Dates: Your To-Do List

To keep your benefits and your legal status, you must track these specific dates:

  • Your Next Recertification Meeting: This is the date your SNAP (Food) benefits will be reviewed under the new 2026 rules.
  • Every 10 Days: If you move, update your address with USCIS immediately.
  • Every 6 Months: Check your mail for your MassHealth Renewal form. Do not miss the deadline!
  • Every Year: Pay your $100 Annual Asylum Fee on the anniversary of your filing date.

Haitian TPS Update: Your Status Remains Valid

Haitian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is active. Your legal status and work authorization remain in effect.

Important Details:

  • Status is Active: Although there was a plan to end TPS in February, a federal judge stopped that from happening.
  • Court Update: The Supreme Court is reviewing the case, but they ruled that your protections stay in place during this time.
  • New Vote in Congress: Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley got enough signatures to force a vote on extending TPS for Haiti. This bipartisan plan would allow Haitian citizens to live and work in the U.S. legally for three more years.
  • U.S. House Votes to Keep Haitian Families Safe: On April 16th, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley helped pass a new law to support people from Haiti, and extend TPS.
  • Next Steps: Now, the law moves to the U.S. Senate for the next vote.

Work Authorization:


Your right to work is protected. If an employer has questions about your status, you can show them:

There is a scam from people who say they are from Catholic Charities. If you are contacted by someone who says they are from Catholic Charities, do not give them any information unless you know the person. You can read more about this scam here

Click here to read Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey’s Response to I.C.E. and How You Can Take Action

Click here for more information about what to do if you are arrested by I.C.E.

Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network

Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network (BIJAN) offers hotlines that assist those who have been detained, and family and friends of those detained:

  • Family and Friends Hotline: (617) 396-7143 
  • Detained Hotline: (617) 637-8195