Immigration Alerts

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

Important Update About Immigration Court

Many people with open court cases are getting letters with new, much earlier court dates.

Some courts are putting more than 100 people into one big group hearing. These large group hearings are called “mega masters.” Learn more information here.

Supreme Court Decision Ending Haitian and Syrian TPS

What You Need to Know

  • TPS Rules Have Changed: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the government can end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti and Syria.
  • Act Quickly: TPS protections and work permits (EADs) are ending. Check your documents and status immediately at USCIS.gov
  • Explore Other Legal Pathways:  You may qualify to stay in the U.S. through other options (such as asylum or family petitions)

Next Steps

  1. Get Legal Help Now: If you have not explored other statuses yet, we strongly recommend contacting our office for assistance, or consulting with another licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative. 
  2. Watch Out for Scams:  Make sure your representative is fully licensed.

Click here for MIRA’s update on the Supreme Court decision.

The ICE CAP Project Launches to Hold Federal Agents Accountable

A project called ICE CAP is suing ICE and other federal agents in Massachusetts for using illegal force and wrongfully arresting immigrants. Experienced lawyers and law students are working together to help victims fight for their rights and receive compensation for the harm they suffered.

If you or someone you know has been harmed by federal agents, you can call their hotline at (617)-373-8251 or email maicecap@gmail.com for legal help.

Protect Yourself From Immigration Scams

Getting the wrong immigration help can cost you time and money. It can even put your status in the U.S. at risk. Protect yourself from common scams and make sure you get help from someone you can trust.

Download the free PDF guide below to learn more:

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:

Detained Hotline: (617) 637-8195

Family and Friends Hotline: (617) 396-7143 

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

USCIS

The federal government has made major changes to immigration fees. Please read these updates carefully to protect your status.

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

Remember Your Dates: Your To-Do List

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

  • Every 10 Days: If you move, update your address with USCIS immediately.
  • Every Year: Pay your $100 Annual Asylum Fee on the anniversary of your filing date.

Please note that travel outside of the United States is not advised if you have a pending immigration application. 

If you must travel while an immigration application is pending, please contact an immigration attorney for advice. 

Please be warned, if you are a citizen of the “banned” countries designated by the Trump Administration (Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen), even if you have a green card, you may have difficulty re-entering the United States. 

If you have been granted asylum or refugee status in the United States – your status and work authorization never expire in the United States, unless you return to your country of origin.

Important: Please review the attached documents before you travel.

Domestic Travel Information for Visa HoldersDownload
Domestic Travel Information for Green Card HoldersDownload
Domestic Travel Information for Undocumented ImmigrantsDownload

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



Looking for additional assistance for you or your family?

Visit our Immigration Resources page for community resources and visit our Immigration Legal Services page for legal help.