Immigration in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2055: An Act An act relative to Massachusetts identification cards

This bill amends Massachusetts law to expand eligibility for state ID cards. It allows applicants without proof of lawful presence (including those ineligible for a Social Security number) to obtain a Massachusetts ID card if they meet other requirements and provide proof of identity, birthdate, and residency. The law prohibits the state from asking about or recording citizenship or immigration status during application processing, and requires all ID cards to meet federal REAL ID standards. This directly affects immigrants and others without proof of lawful presence who previously could not obtain standard state IDs.

Topics ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Citizenship & Naturalization Driver Licenses & IDs

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2170: An Act extending voting rights in municipal elections to noncitizen voters of the commonwealth

This bill allows noncitizens with legal immigration status (18+ years old) to vote in local municipal elections, including for mayor, school committees, and town council positions. It requires a separate registration form and notifies voters about their limited rights - noncitizens may vote only in local elections, not for federal or state offices, and voting in federal elections could risk citizenship applications. Municipal officials must add eligible noncitizens to a special voter list within 5 days of registration, and noncitizens must maintain residency in one municipality to retain voting rights. The bill does not affect federal or state voting eligibility.

Topics ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Citizenship & Naturalization Driver Licenses & IDs

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 306: An Act creating an Inspector General oversight of the Emergency Assistance Shelter system

SD 306 creates a special unit within the Inspector General's office to oversee the state's Emergency Assistance Shelter system for migrants. The unit will analyze the cost and effectiveness of contracts for shelter resources like food and housing, and must submit quarterly reports to legislative committees and the public for three years. These reports will include recommendations for improving the system's efficiency. The oversight unit expires three years after the bill's passage. The bill directly affects how the state manages migrant shelter funding and operations.

Topics ✓ Immigration

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2811: An Act relative to Massachusetts identification cards

This bill allows Massachusetts residents without proof of lawful immigration status (including those ineligible for a Social Security number) to obtain a standard state ID card if they provide other required documentation, such as proof of identity, age, and Massachusetts residency. It prohibits DMV staff from asking about or recording an applicant’s citizenship or immigration status when processing these IDs or vehicle registrations. The law also protects applicants’ personal information from public disclosure, except as required by federal law. This directly affects immigrants without work permits or Social Security numbers who previously could not obtain a standard state ID.

Topics ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Citizenship & Naturalization Driver Licenses & IDs

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3153: An Act protecting transportation network driver data privacy and integrity

HD 3153 protects transportation network drivers' (like Uber or Lyft drivers) personal data by making their records confidential and non-public. It requires companies to share only necessary driver data with driver organizations during bargaining, while mandating strong security measures like encryption and access controls. The law explicitly prohibits sharing driver data with immigration enforcement agencies without a court order. The state board must create detailed regulations by 2025 covering data minimization, breach protocols, and driver consent options.

Topics ✓ Immigration ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1814: An Act ensuring equitable health coverage for children

This bill establishes a new MassHealth program providing comprehensive health coverage to children and young adults under 21 in Massachusetts who are residents but cannot access regular Medicaid benefits solely due to their immigration status. It ensures these individuals receive the same health benefits as other low-income children of similar age and income under existing eligibility rules. The program requires the state health department to maximize federal funding for these benefits, but the coverage cannot be withheld if federal funds are unavailable. This directly affects immigrant youth who were previously excluded from state health programs because of their immigration status.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Children's Health DACA & Dreamers

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3478: An Act to enhance public safety

HD 3478 requires Massachusetts local and state law enforcement agencies (like police departments and sheriff's offices) to comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) immigration detainers. This means agencies must hold individuals for up to 48 hours beyond their scheduled release to allow ICE to take custody, share immigration status information upon request, and participate in joint ICE operations when feasible. The bill mandates annual reporting on detainer compliance and includes exceptions for constitutional rights or lack of probable cause for criminal charges. It also requires the state to provide training and resources to support law enforcement in meeting these requirements. The law applies directly to all local and state law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✗ Immigration

Sub-Topics Policing Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3744: An Act supporting and honoring Immigration and Customs Enforcement lawful detainments (SHIELD Act)

This bill requires Massachusetts local law enforcement agencies to comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requests to detain individuals convicted or charged with specific serious offenses: aggravated felonies (e.g., murder, drug trafficking), violent crimes, gang offenses, or terrorism. It mandates holding these individuals for ICE custody if they meet any of these categories, or if an officer determines they pose a public safety threat. The law applies to all state, municipal, college, and university police departments, sheriffs' offices, and correctional facilities within Massachusetts. It creates a legal obligation for local agencies to honor these ICE detainer requests under defined circumstances.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✗ Immigration

Sub-Topics Policing Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3853: An Act to improve public safety and security

This bill (HD 3853) authorizes Massachusetts to create a pilot program under the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. It establishes a "State Immigration Processing & Waiver Office" to develop a database for legal visitors and residents, and explore Employer Sponsorship Agreements (ESAs) where Massachusetts employers can sponsor credentialed non-citizen workers. The pilot also aims to coordinate with federal authorities on potentially allowing state law enforcement to screen certain employable non-citizens, with possible federal reimbursement. The bill directly affects Massachusetts employers needing qualified workers and non-citizen residents seeking clearer immigration pathways within the state.

Topics ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs Sanctuary Policies Work Authorization

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4038: An Act relative to protecting Massachusetts residents against federal government surveillance

This bill (HD 4038) defines "protected information" as data about individuals' political, religious, or social views, associations, or activities, and restricts Massachusetts law enforcement from collecting or sharing this data without specific justification. It requires criminal intelligence systems (like fusion centers) to conduct annual audits tracking data access, maintain detailed logs of protected information sharing, and destroy unreliable data every five years. Law enforcement must obtain written authorization to investigate based on protected information and can only share such data with other agencies after prior written approval. The bill directly affects Massachusetts residents by limiting how state agencies handle sensitive personal information related to beliefs and associations.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

All immigration bills