The USCIS announced that DACA recipients are now eligible to renew their forms online. At this time, only those who have been previously granted DACA are eligible. USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou said, “the expansion of online filing is a priority for USCIS as we make our operations more efficient and effective for the agency and our stakeholders, applicants, petitioners and requestors. The option to file DACA renewal requests online is part of USCIS’ ongoing move to minimize reliance on paper records and further transition to an electronic environment.” Additional forms required are also available online. While there is no cost to sign up to create an online count, the renewal fee is $495. The site offers convenient and secure methods to submit necessary forms, pay fees and track the status of applications.

​According to NBC, the Biden administration plans to lift Title 42. Originally put in place in March of 2020, by the Trump administration, the threat of COVID from Canada and Mexico motivated officials to eliminate cross-border movement. The Human Rights Watch asserts, however, that the policy had been misused and hundreds of thousands seekers were forced to return to unsafe conditions. CBS reports that many experts at the CDC advised against the policy being used because they did not think it was justified. Early on in the Biden administration, however, the enforcement of Title 42 had been becoming less frequent. It is expected that Title 42 will be officially lifted sometime in May.

​According to NBC, the Biden administration plans to lift Title 42. Originally put in place in March of 2020, by the Trump administration, the threat of COVID from Canada and Mexico motivated officials to eliminate cross-border movement. The Human Rights Watch asserts, however, that the policy had been misused and hundreds of thousands seekers were forced to return to unsafe conditions. CBS reports that many experts at the CDC advised against the policy being used because they did not think it was justified. Early on in the Biden administration, however, the enforcement of Title 42 had been becoming less frequent. It is expected that Title 42 will be officially lifted sometime in May.

According to CNN, the Biden administration is extending relief to tens of thousands of Afghans that have been living in the US. Afghan people who were resettled in the US after the forced shift of power in Afghanistan will qualify for humanitarian relief, known as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which protects them from deportation for 18 months. In addition to protection from deportation, eligible individuals are also permitted to work. It is estimated that roughly 74,500 individuals will qualify for relief. However, only those settled in the US by March 15th of this year will qualify. This decision came not too long after TPS was also offered to Ukranians in the US due to the ongoing Russian military offensive in the Ukraine. The Department of Homeland Security expects that 75,100 Ukrainians in the US will benefit.

​According to Axios, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Airbnb have partnered to provide free temporary housing to refugees fleeing the Ukraine. Poland, Moldova, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia are among the locations listed by the IOM that have committed to housing up to 100,000 refugees. It has been estimated that more than 2 million people from over 100 countries have fled the Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict. The UN has stated that this is the fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II. Axios reports that at least 15,000 Airbnb hosts have offered their homes for free or at discounted rates. Airbnb News declared that all “stays will be funded by Airbnb, Inc., donors to the Airbnb.org Refugee Fund, and the generosity of Hosts through Airbnb.Org.” All profits go towards assisting people with obtaining short term housing, consider donating today.

‘Massachusetts Is Ready To Assist Afghan Refugees’, Baker Says (CBS Boston) – Our hearts go out to the people in Afghanistan whose safety and future are in jeopardy since the Taliban took control over the country in a matter of days. We hope the U.S. government, as well as governments of other countries, will do everything they can to provide Afghan refugees with the help they need to find safety, be with their families and loved ones, and build up their new lives. 
Regarding receiving Afghan refugees in Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker said on Tuesday that the state is ready to assist Afghan refugees who are seeking safety and peace in America.  
You can also read more about the latest updates on Afghanistan here: https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/afghanistan-taliban-us-news-08-19-21/index.html 

Mass. Should Expand Medicaid To Undocumented Immigrants (WBUR) – There are approximately 250,000 undocumented immigrants in Massachusetts, most of whom lack the proper benefits of healthcare. Although some of them have access to Masslimited, a version of Medicaid, it is extremely limited in support. As a result, undocumented residents resort to costlier medical centers, therefore leading to more money being spent on federal taxes and state and local taxes than they should be. 
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has given even more reason for insuring undocumented immigrants. The importance of the essential workers, disproportionately waiters, cooks, food-deliverers, etc., means improving public health to expand health benefits for undocumented people. Since filing to allow driver’s licenses for all, there is reason to push Massachusetts lawmakers to re-file for guaranteed healthcare for all.

Local Refugee Agencies Scramble To Welcome A Surge Of Newcomers This Fall (WGBH) – With years of decreased numbers of refugees from more than 2,400 five years ago to less than 700 in 2019, services committed to helping resettle in Massachusetts after persecution and escaping war are now anticipating a tide of newcomers this year.  After President Joe Biden raised the limit of refugees that could come into the United States to 62,500 from a previous 15,000 a year, local organizations say they need to expand their functioning to meet the high numbers of people expected this summer and fall. 
Due to the cost of living and housing increasing, institutions are facing pressure to build back their resources and connections to make sure refugees can fully resettle as well as raise money to get back on their feet even with the given federal funds.

Budget Provision Sets Standard On Visa Document (CommonWealth Magazine) – Governor Charlie Baker has signed a budget creating standards for immigrant survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking who are seeking paperwork for visas. This requires local law offices to help immigrants with documentation, creating a way for immigrants to legally work in the US, achieve citizenship, and avoid deportation.
As a part of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, the U and T visas were created to help victims come forward to report the crimes. This new change could provide more clarity, creating space for them to realize and acknowledge their rights.