Massachusetts immigrant helpline launches

By Madison Lucchesi

The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition is launching its Immigrant Advocate Legal Helpline. The 24/7 helpline answers non-emergent legal questions for immigrant and refugee populations. 

The helpline aids the increasing demands facing immigration legal services. It also mitigates the impacts of immigration law practiced by unlicensed people, commonly known as “notario fraud.” 

The MIRA Coalition’s Senior Director of Programs, Stephanie Rosario Rodriguez, said, “There is a shortage of immigration attorneys and many families don’t know how to navigate this process.”

The helpline is open to all Massachusetts providers serving immigrant and refugee communities. Callers should leave a message with their contact information and their questions. Urgent inquiries will be assessed by the MIRA Staff Attorney. The MIRA staff will follow up with a callback or an email with resources. 

For anyone in need of immigration legal assistance, call the MIRA Helpline at (508) 293-1871.

To further aid the backlog of immigration cases, a new immigration court is set to open in Chelmsford in April.