Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants

09/01/2026

📄New resources about the PROTECT Act are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole. The one-page guides provide an overview of the law and key information for Massachusetts residents and communities.

✍️Signed into law by Governor Maura Healey on August 5, 2026, the PROTECT Act establishes protections related to immigration enforcement and includes provisions concerning sensitive locations, families and workers, and access to rights and resources.

🔗 View the resources in this post and download them at: www.mass.gov/protecting-people-from-ice

08/31/2026

🤝EOHHS Secretary Kiame Mahaniah recently visited the International Institute of New England (IINE) in Lowell, a longtime community partner of the Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) that currently delivers eight ORI-funded programs supporting refugees and immigrants in the region.

👥 During the visit, Secretary Mahaniah met with participants in IINE Lowell’s Frontline Workers Meeting and toured the organization to learn more about its work in the community. He was welcomed by IINE President and CEO Jeff Thielman and Lowell Managing Director Caroline Rowe, and was joined by State Representative Tara Hong and State Senator Vanna Howard.

08/27/2026

⚽ ORI was proud to participate in the Building Justice 5th Annual Soccer and Solidarity Tournament on August 22 at Boston Scores Field at Salesian Heights.

🏆ORI Program Coordinator Simran Ali joined other participants to form a team on the day of the tournament. Together, they went on to take home the trophy!

Thank you to the Brazilian Worker Center and Justice at Work for bringing community partners together through sport and solidarity.


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08/26/2026

08/25/2026

🌎Yesterday, ORI Chief of Staff Agnes Chang, on behalf of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the MA Office for Refugees and Immigrants, participated in the Ukrainian Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony, celebrating the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence alongside members of the Ukrainian community and local leaders. Agnes was joined by ORI team members Asquale Gebremedhen, Bukia Chalvire, and Naomi Reich.

📜 She read Governor Maura Healey’s proclamation recognizing Ukrainian Independence Day in Massachusetts and joined the community in honoring Ukraine’s history, culture, resilience, and enduring commitment to freedom and self-determination.

08/06/2026

✍️ Yesterday, Governor Maura Healey signed the PROTECT Act, marking a significant step to strengthen protections for immigrant communities across Massachusetts.

📜 The new law includes safeguards for families, limits certain immigration enforcement activities in sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, child care centers, and courthouses, and strengthens protections for parents and communities.

🤝 ORI was proud to be part of this important event, represented by Executive Director Cristina Aguilera and Chief Operating Officer & Legal Advisor Susan Church.

Photos: Joshua Qualls/Governor’s Office

08/05/2026

Repost from Governor Maura Healey.

07/04/2026

🎉This Independence Day, we recognize the values that continue to shape our nation: freedom, opportunity, and the hope of a better future.

🤝At ORI, we are committed to supporting immigrant and refugee communities as they build their lives, strengthen our neighborhoods, and contribute to Massachusetts' future.

💙Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Fourth of July.

07/02/2026

🏛️ A recent Supreme Court decision allows the federal government to move forward with ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian nationals.

👉This carousel explains what TPS is, why this decision matters, highlights ways to support affected communities, and provides trusted resources available in Massachusetts.

🔗Learn more:
unitedwaymassbay.org/united-response
mass.gov/info-details/resources-for-immigrants-in-massachusetts

07/01/2026

✨ Throughout June, we had the privilege of honoring Immigrant Heritage Month by sharing the inspiring stories of immigrants and refugees, uplifting the voices of community leaders, and recognizing World Refugee Day.

✨ This recap highlights the individuals and organizations who made this campaign possible. We sincerely thank every partner for sharing their time, experiences, and commitment to building welcoming communities across Massachusetts.

🙏We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every organization and individual who participated.

• Center for New Americans (CNA)
• Organization for Refugee & Immigrant Success (ORIS)
• International Institute of New England (IINE)
• Immigrant Assistance Center (IAC)
• African Community Education (ACE)
• Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy (MIRA Coalition)
• Catholic Charities Boston