According to reporting from The Boston Globe, President Trump has signed an executive order restricting several different types of employment visas through the end of 2020. Subject to some important, but limited exceptions, the following visas will not be issued for the remainder of 2020: H-1B visas: H-1B visas are for professional workers in certain... READ MORE
Citing Dangerous Conditions in Mexico, Federal Judge Allows Five Central American Asylum Seekers to Enter the U.S.
On May 14th, 2020, a Massachusetts federal judge allowed five asylum seekers—three women and two young children—to enter the United States early, while their asylum claim is still being reviewed. In the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, a judge ruled that the migrants were likely to be granted asylum and that... READ MORE
Massachusetts Leaders Fear the Trump Administration is Unreasonably Denying Medical Deferrals During the COVID-19 Pandemic
According to reporting from WBUR News, three prominent members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation are raising concerns over the Trump Administration’s treatment of undocumented immigrants who are dealing with serious medical issues. In a letter to Acting USCIS Director Ken Cuccinelli, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, and Representative Ayanna Pressley all express their concerns... READ MORE
Boston Immigration Court Temporarily Closed; Immigration Lawyers Raise Serious Concerns About Coronavirus (COVID-19)
As of March 20th, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports that there are 413 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) within the Commonwealth. Unfortunately, the true number is undoubtedly higher because testing is limited. Further, the number of confirmed cases is expected to rise dramatically in the coming weeks. Even in its early stages, the... READ MORE
Two Prominent Massachusetts Justices Pen Scathing Letter to ICE—Call Immigration Enforcement Agency’s Conduct an “Affront to Justice”
According to a report from the Boston Herald, two top judges in Massachusetts recently sent a public letter to U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) sharply criticizing the federal agency for detaining and deporting immigrants while local legal matters are still pending—without notifying local officials. Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Ralph Gants... READ MORE
Massachusetts Lawmakers Hold Hearing on Sanctuary State Bill
As reported by CBS Boston, Massachusetts legislators recently held an important hearing regarding the possibility of becoming a sanctuary state. If passed into law, the Safe Communities Act would limit interactions between state and local law enforcement agencies and federal immigration officers. Additionally, the legislation also calls for an end to ‘287G Agreements’—through which state... READ MORE
Federal Judge Orders Major Changes to Bond Hearings in Boston Immigration Court: Burden of Proof Now on the Government
According to reporting from WBUR, a federal judge has determined that the procedural rules that put the burden of proof on undocumented immigrants in a bond hearing are unconstitutional. In an important win for immigrant rights, the decision from Judge Patti Saris will change the way bond hearings are handled in our region. Here, our... READ MORE
Extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Helps More than 12,300 Immigrants in Massachusetts
Immigration Law, Immigration News Boston
In November, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for immigrants from six countries. Protections that were set to expire at the beginning of 2020 have been extended an additional year. According to a story published by MassLive, more than 12,000 immigrants in the Commonwealth of... READ MORE
Despite Promises from City Officials, Documents Reveal Close Relationship Between ICE and the Boston Police Department
According to reporting from WBUR News, the Boston Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have a much closer—and much more disturbing—relationship than has previously been disclosed. New documents obtained by WBUR News show that a high-ranking Boston police officer is working directly with ICE, helping the agency pursue detainers and carry forward... READ MORE
Representing Thousands of Affected Immigrants, a Massachusetts Civil Rights Group is Suing to Stop the Trump Administration’s Fast-Track Deportation Policy
According to reporting from CBS Boston, the Lawyers for Civil Rights—a Boston-based legal organization—has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump Administration in order to protect immigrants in Massachusetts and around the country. The legal complaint was filed on behalf of two immigrant rights advocacy groups: Centro Presente and Pioneer Valley Workers Center—both of which... READ MORE
