Immigration (Immigrant Services)

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 6, 2025

S 2125: An Act relative to language access and inclusion

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2125) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Jason M. Lewis, James B. Eldridge, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the Senate for legislation relative to language access and inclusion. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProvides language access services, a critical component of immigrant services enabling non-English speakers to access state programs.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Immigrant Services

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3876: An Act relative to language access and inclusion

This bill creates a new Office of Access and Opportunity (OAO) within the governor's office to ensure equal access for Limited English Proficient (LEP) and deaf or hard of hearing residents. The OAO, led by a governor-appointed deputy chief, will develop policies to advance non-discrimination in state employment, procurement, and services, and require all state agencies to create language access plans. These plans must outline how agencies will provide oral interpretation, translation, and auxiliary services to ensure LEP and deaf/hard of hearing individuals can effectively access state programs. The bill directly affects state agencies and the public they serve, mandating concrete steps to remove language barriers in government services.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationCreates language access office for LEP residents, providing critical services to immigrant communities through interpretation/translation requirements in state services.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires state agencies to implement language access in employment, preventing discrimination against LEP/deaf workers, advancing non-discrimination in state employment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Immigrant Services

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 1813: An Act establishing basic needs assistance for Massachusetts immigrant residents

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 117) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Michael J. Barrett and John F. Keenan for legislation to establish basic needs assistance for Massachusetts immigrant residents. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationEstablishes basic needs assistance for immigrant residents, directly providing state-level support services per bill title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics DACA & Dreamers Driver Licenses & IDs Immigrant Services

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 1717: An Act to study the role of resettlement agencies in the successful integration of new arrivals in the Commonwealth

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 143) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to study the role of resettlement agencies in the successful integration of new arrivals in the Commonwealth. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill studies resettlement agencies' role in immigrant integration, supporting service enhancement without direct funding.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Immigrant Services Refugees & Asylum

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4072: An Act ensuring access to equitable representation in immigration proceedings

This bill creates Massachusetts' Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal representation for eligible immigrants facing deportation. It directly affects income-eligible individuals in Massachusetts who lack legal counsel during immigration court proceedings (including detention, expedited removals, or appeals), defined as those with household incomes under 200% of the federal poverty level. Key mechanisms include funding competitive grants to legal providers, establishing a statewide "Coordinator" nonprofit to manage referrals and culturally responsive services, and requiring free representation starting before the first court appearance. The fund will cover legal costs, filings, interpretation, and case management for detained individuals and those at immediate risk of deportation.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill creates Massachusetts' Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal representation for low-income immigrants facing deportation, directly protecting immigrant rights in immigration proceedings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Detention Immigrant Services Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 260: An Act to study the role of resettlement agencies in the successful integration of new arrivals in the Commonwealth

By Representative LeBoeuf of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 260) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf that the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities conduct a study on the state of immigrant and refugee resettlement infrastructure in the Commonwealth. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill mandates study on immigrant resettlement integration, supporting service infrastructure per its focus on successful integration of new arrivals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Immigrant Services Refugees & Asylum

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 30, 2026

S 1127: An Act ensuring access to equitable representation in immigration proceedings

S 1127 creates a state-funded Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal representation for immigrants facing deportation in Massachusetts courts. It directly affects low-income immigrants who cannot afford attorneys during immigration proceedings. The bill establishes the fund through the Judiciary Committee, allocating state resources to cover legal services for eligible individuals. This replaces the current reliance on limited pro bono services with a dedicated, accessible resource. The policy change ensures equitable access to legal counsel in immigration cases, a key factor in fair judicial outcomes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state budget funds for a new Immigrant Legal Defense Fund, increasing government spending on public legal services.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationCreates state-funded legal defense fund for low-income immigrants facing deportation, directly providing services to protect rights and replace limited pro bono options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Immigrant Services Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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