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| US 4th MA District Representative Jake Auchincloss participated remotely |
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| USA Facts lays out what programs immigrants are eligible for (chart) |
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| USAFacts: How many people seek asylum in the US? |
"Attorney General Andrea Campbell issued guidance on Thursday for Massachusetts immigrants and their supporters on how to respond to federal immigration officials, as arrests have sharply increased in the state.The guidance addresses questions her office has received about ICE’s jurisdiction, the rights of people being targeted, what bystanders are allowed to do, and whether local law enforcement can cooperate with federal officials.
Todd Lyons
It comes as Campbell has said there is little she or other local politicians can do to stop the ICE arrests taking place under the Trump administration.“From arresting parents in front of their children to pulling people who present no public safety threat out of their cars in broad daylight, the aggressive ICE tactics we’re seeing across the Commonwealth do not protect the public, and instead spread fear,” Campbell said in a statement. “In releasing this guidance, I strongly encourage everyone to inform themselves of their rights when they see immigration officers in their communities.”
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| A Pastoral Letter re: Executive Orders & Immigration | ||||
| Dear members and friends of Franklin United Methodist Church, On January 21, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order which allows officers enforcing immigration law to arrest migrants at sensitive locations, including churches, without prior approval.[i] Since that time, there have been many verified[ii] and rumored[iii] detentions where people have been targeted based upon the color of their skin and the language they speak and not solely upon past or on-going criminal investigations and immigration status. Many in our community, including non-white citizens and those with legal immigration status, are afraid. We must stand with the migrant, immigrant, and the refugee. We cannot remain silent. As United Methodists, "we affirm the dignity, worth, and rights of migrants, immigrants and refugees, including displaced and stateless people."[iv] And, "we oppose all laws and policies that attempt to criminalize, dehumanize or punish displaced individuals and families based on their status as migrants, immigrants or refugees. Additionally, we decry attempts to detain displaced people and hold them in inhumane and unsanitary conditions. We challenge policies that call for the separation of families, especially parents and minor children, and we oppose the existence of for-profit detention centers for such purposes."[v] As United Methodists, we are urged to welcome migrants, refugees, and immigrants into our congregation and provide concrete support, "including help with navigating restrictive and often lengthy immigration policies, and assistance with securing food, housing, education, employment and other kinds of support."[vi] As Christians, we affirm that "The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow" (Psalm 146:9a, New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition). We see it as our call to show hospitality and welcome to the stranger and foreigner, treating them as family and citizens of our own land (cf. Leviticus 19:34, Deuteronomy 27:19, Ezekiel 47:22, Zechariah 7:9-10, Matthew 25:31-36). We believe, in the words of Jesus, that the entirety of Scripture can be summed up in two commandments, love God with all your heart, soul, and mind; and, love your neighbor as yourself (cf. Matthew 22:34-40). This love extends to all persons regardless of one's race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, age, and immigration status. God's love found in the person of Jesus Christ breaks down these human constructs and molds us into one diverse and inclusive people (cf. Romans 8:28). As citizens of the United States of America, we hold it as a fundamental right that all persons should be granted the freedom to gather and exercise the religion of their choosing. President Trump's executive order creates a very real threat that "deters congregants from attending services [and practicing their religion], especially members of immigrant communities."[vii] I have instructed all staff and building users regarding protocols that should be followed should an immigration enforcement officer be spotted on church property or enter the facility. I am also making available information so that all members of our community understand their rights should they encounter such an officer. "Know Your Rights" cards, also known as "Red Cards," are available in the vestry along with printed copies of "Faith and Facts Card—Immigration to the U.S." published by the General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church. Finally, additional information and resources, specific to Massachusetts and/or The United Methodist Church, can be found below. I hope, and I pray, that President Trump will come to look with compassion and mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. Many are. [viii] I also hope, and I pray, that our church will not lose its resolve for being a place where all can experience compassion and mercy; that we might continue to be a community where all can experience meaningful relationship with God, grow in Christ, and reach out in love to others; a place where all can love and be loved; a community where all persons can be accepted as they are. I encourage everyone to pray for our President, other government officials in our country and around the world, and all those who refuse to reach out with anything less than a heart full of love, mercy and compassion. In Jesus' name, and for Christ's sake, I pray—and I hope you will too. Peace. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
NOTES AND REFERECES: [i] Rebecca Santana, "Trump administration throws out policies limiting migrant arrests at sensitive spots like church," APNews.com, January 21, 2025 (https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-sensitive-locations-trump-ab0d2d2652e9df696f14410ebb52a1fc). [ii] Marlene Lenthang, "Here are the cities where ICE raids are taking place," NBC News, January 27, 2025 (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/are-cities-ice-raids-are-taking-place-rcna189390). [iii] Gina Lee Castro, "Milwaukee officials, advocates working to verify viral report of Puerto Rican family detained by ICE," USAToday.com, January 30, 2025 (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/local/2025/01/30/telemundo-report-of-ice-detaining-puerto-rican-family-in-milwaukee-draws-concern/78058292007/). [iv] from "The Political Community," section "G. Migrants, Immigrants and Refugees" in The United Methodist Social Principles: As Adopted by General Conference Charlotte, 2024 (https://www.umcjustice.org/documents/124), p38. [v] Ibid. [vi] Ibid. [vii] "Donald Trump Sued by Quakers Over ICE Raids," Newsweek.com, January 28, 2025 (https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-sued-quakers-ice-raids-immigration-2021904). [viii] see sermon by Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, at the Washington National Cathedral, January 21, 2025 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwwaEuDeqM8). >< Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker 508-528-1092 (o) | ||||
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| Detect immigration scams that start on social media |
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| Healey-Driscoll Administration |
FM #1055 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1055 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town Administrator’s Report segment from the Town Council Meeting of Sep 6, 2023. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides an update on the Migrant Housing status.
The recording runs about 22 minutes. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1055-town-administrators-report-migrant-housing-status-09-06-23
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Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator
Town Council agenda doc ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_9.6.23.pdf
Notification on migrant temporary housing
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/ma-notifies-franklin-of-plans-to-house.html
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| Town Administrator's Report on the Migrant Housing Status - 09/06/23 (audio) |
FM #1050 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1050 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation in the Municipal Building on Thursday, August 24, 2023.
Topics for this session
Notification on State arranging to place migrants in Best Western Hotel
Davis Thayer Reuse; suggestions gathered, some interesting & new
Economic Development, Small zoning change
Police Station Building Cmte, Starting work
School opens, drive safely
The recording runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie & Amy on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1050-talk-franklin-08-24-23
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Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator
Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin
Davis Thayer Reuse Committee agenda & links -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-15_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_.pdf
Notification on migrant temporary housing
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/ma-notifies-franklin-of-plans-to-house.html
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
 |
| In this Talk Franklin episode, we start with the State announcement on temporary housing of migrants (audio) |
"FOR 40 YEARS, Massachusetts has had a right-to-shelter law, which requires the state to provide shelter to families with children as well as pregnant women. The law is attracting a lot of attention right now because the number of families seeking shelter has more than tripled since the start of the year, the cost to the state is up to $45 million a month, and Gov. Maura Healey recently declared a state of emergency, urging the federal government to address immigration reform and to streamline the process for obtaining work permits.Rep. Peter Durant, a Republican from Spencer who is running for a seat in the state Senate, and Evan Horowitz, the executive director of the Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University, outlined very different perspectives on right to shelter on The Codcast but agreed that the state needs to do a much better job gathering information on the impact of the law, its cost, and the role of migrants in the recent crisis."
Continue reading the article online -> https://commonwealthmagazine.org/immigration/right-to-shelter-is-it-a-migrant-magnet/
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| MA notifies Franklin of plans to house migrant families in local Franklin hotel |
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| plans to house migrant families in local Franklin hotel |
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| 'The effects will be different in every place, but almost everywhere safe shelter will get scarcer and more expensive, loosening people’s grip on the stability that comes with a permanent home.’ Photograph: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images |
"One day after state legislators approved a bill to allow undocumented immigrants to get driver’s licenses in Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker vetoed the measure, saying it poses a risk to election security.
In a letter rejecting the legislation late Friday afternoon, Baker said the bill requires the Registry of Motor Vehicles “to issue state credentials to people without the ability to verify their identity” and “increases the risk that noncitizens will be registered to vote.”
He also expressed concern that the identification wouldn’t distinguish an undocumented person from a documented one."
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| A Pass the Work and Family Mobility Act Rally was held on the steps of the Massachusetts State House on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Rose Lincoln) |
"LAST WEEK’S REVENUE REPORT from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission suggested the state’s casinos are doing pretty well, given the many restrictions imposed by COVID-19.
Monthly slot revenues for the Commonwealth’s two category 2 casinos showed modest increases, with Encore Boston Harbor posting a 3.9 percent increase over November’s numbers, and MGM Springfield showing a 9.51 percent increase. Plainridge Park, the state’s lone slots-only facility, reported a 20.77 percent increase in monthly slot revenue."
"IN EARLY APRIL, amid the first COVID-19 surge and an emerging shortage of health care workers, Gov. Charlie Baker signed an executive order allowing foreign-trained medical doctors to gain full licensure here in Massachusetts.
This came after a slew of legislators and immigration advocates appealed to his administration to utilize that workforce. At the end of July, when cases of COVID-19 were ebbing, Baker rescinded the order, a move that allowed those who received their license during the previous three months to continue practicing but barred any new applications.
Now, with cases rising fast and the state once again facing a shortage of health care workers, the Baker administration has gone strangely silent on why the program isn’t being resuscitated and even expanded beyond doctors."
Continue reading the article online https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health-care/baker-goes-silent-on-foreign-trained-docs/
"HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of Massachusetts immigrants could be impacted by President Biden’s immigration overhaul, which includes a massive bill sent to Congress on Wednesday that was accompanied by a series of executive orders.
Those orders, signed after Biden assumed the presidency, will reverse Trump-era travel bans that focused primarily on immigrants from Muslim countries. Another executive order allows young immigrants brought into the country without authorization to once again apply for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, which former president Trump suspended in 2017. A third will reverse a memo signed into law by Trump in 2020 that excluded undocumented immigrants from Census counts. "
"Facing eight federal lawsuits and opposition from hundreds of universities, the Trump administration on Tuesday rescinded a rule that would have required international students to transfer or leave the country if their schools held classes entirely online because of the pandemic.
The decision was announced at the start of a hearing in a federal lawsuit in Boston brought by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs said federal immigration authorities agreed to pull the July 6 directive and “return to the status quo.”
A lawyer representing the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said only that the judge’s characterization was correct.
The announcement brings relief to thousands of foreign students who had been at risk of being deported from the country, along with hundreds of universities that were scrambling to reassess their plans for the fall in light of the policy."
