Immigration Updates and Resources

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Please use the Table of Contents on the left side to find what you need. If you have any questions or need assistance accessing any of these resources please reach out to your school's family support coordinator or social workers. The Family Support Coordinator contact information is at the bottom of the page.

This is a reminder to make sure that all your child's information is up-to-date. We would like to make sure that we are able to reach the best people possible in the case we need to call someone and your emergency contacts may be out of date. Also, if you have moved during the year and not let the school know, that will impact getting a bus for your child next year. The best way to check this information is by logging into Aspen.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals. However, a Ninth Circuit panel ruled that the government can move forward with ending TPS for immigrants from Honduras and Nicaragua. DHS also terminated TPS for Yemen, effective 60 days after the Federal Register notice, affecting approximately 1,400 beneficiaries.

What this means for you: If you hold TPS from any designated country, do not assume your status is secure. Review your case with an immigration attorney now to understand your options and explore alternative pathways to lawful status.

DHS funding lapsed on February 14, and congressional negotiations remain stalled. ICE and CBP operations continue with existing funding, and fee-funded USCIS activities — including case processing, applications, and petitions — are expected to proceed normally. However, E-Verify and certain non-essential programs may experience delays.

What this means for you: If you have a pending USCIS application, processing should continue. If your employer uses E-Verify for new hires, there may be temporary delays. Continue filing applications on time and monitor updates.

A new DHS memo directs federal immigration agents to arrest and indefinitely detain refugees who have not yet obtained a green card for additional vetting. The policy affects tens of thousands of individuals who entered the U.S. legally. Resettlement organizations have described this as an unprecedented shift in how admitted refugees are treated.

What this means for you: If you or someone you know entered the U.S. as a refugee and has not yet applied for a green card, it is critical to consult with an immigration attorney about your options. Do not wait!

“Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” which takes effect on January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), the United States is fully or partially suspending entry for and visa issuance to nationals of 39 countries, and individuals applying using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority. Included in the order is the continuation and augmentation of the suspension on entry of nationals from 19 countries imposed by Presidential Proclamation 10949. Presidential Proclamation 10949 remains in full effect until it is modified by the restrictions of Presidential Proclamation 10998. We are protecting our nation and its citizens by using rigorous, security-focused screening and vetting procedures to ensure that individuals approved for a visa do not endanger national security or public safety.

All county-level 287(g) programs in Massachusetts have been terminated. The last county to participate was Barnstable County, which ended its contract.

“Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” which takes effect on January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), the United States is fully or partially suspending entry for and visa issuance to nationals of 39 countries, and individuals applying using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority. Included in the order is the continuation and augmentation of the suspension on entry of nationals from 19 countries imposed by Presidential Proclamation 10949. Presidential Proclamation 10949 remains in full effect until it is modified by the restrictions of Presidential Proclamation 10998. We are protecting our nation and its citizens by using rigorous, security-focused screening and vetting procedures to ensure that individuals approved for a visa do not endanger national security or public safety.

Know your Rights flyers are a great resource to inform families about rights and to have near you in at home or out in the community.

English - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mv0MBqylsB2OMXH9s31MTxXJ3iohZTM9/view

Portuguese - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YX-GRep-nGrc6KsbZkOlbqwcaqszPOvW/view

Spanish - https://drive.google.com/file/d/11csAQNFUbOn2aw0e6tPTqWmExegX6yde/view

Haitian Creole - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ltdggYOvV5-5N4mOHDejmgFEt7IAhsn2/view

Every family regardless of immigration status should consider making a family preparedness plan in case of emergency. Family preparedness plans are a collection of documents and important information about family member’s medical history, childcare preferences, social security numbers, financial matters, and more.

A preparedness plan also outlines immediate and longer-term actions to be taken if a member of the family is detained or otherwise at risk. Compiling this plan ahead of time will reduce stress and result in better outcomes for your family.

Keep the documents you have collected and copied in a physical binder and/or an electronic folder that is then shared with others in the family.

Down below are translated versions of a Family Preparedness Plan you can fill out, feel free to ask a Community Partner or Family Support Coordinator to help you fill one out! We suggest parents and guardians to skim through these and consider implementing at least a few of the plans.

LUCE is a coalition of immigrant-led, grassroots organizations who build people power for everyone across Massachusetts.

They move grounded in our principles of justice and equity, with a deep commitment to keeping all of our communities safe through grassroots organizing, information sharing, and mutual aid.

Utilizing their LUCE Defense Hotline they verify the presence of ICE, support you in exercising your rights and share verified information to protect the community.

JFS is developing innovative, integrated resources that address the social, emotional, and financial needs of immigrants, refugees, and asylees, giving them the tools they need to succeed.

Services include:

• Family assistance, including:
  • Enhanced, intensive case management
  • information/referral
  • Distributions of food, personal care items, school supplies and other basic needs
  • Seasonal/emergency clothing and other support through the JFS/FPS Resource Room/Children’s Clothing Closet
  • Emergency financial assistance
  • Employment assistance
  • Citizenship application support, American acculturation, and civic integration programs
  • Refugee Resettlement Support

Metrowest Worker Center (Also known as CASA) is an immigrant worker-led organization based in the MetroWest area of Greater Boston, Massachusetts, which organizes to defend and expand the labor, civil, and human rights of all workers.

The immigrant worker community also faces a number of additional challenges, particularly in the initial period integrating into Massachusetts. Recently-arrived families and individuals come to us for assistance with a number of basic orientation services including:

• Assistance registering kids in the local school system
• Applications for MassHealth Insurance program(s)
• Application Process for Mass state ID or Driver's License
• Orientation around Immigration-related matters, connections with legal aid consultations etc.
• Know-your-rights related to workplace treatment, benefits, and compensation
• Basic education around tenants' rights

Contact Information for CASA -

📞 (508) - 532 - 0575

📧 casa@mwc-casa.org

WhatsApp: (617) - 818 - 2566