SHARE knows that the upcoming end of the federal government’s Temporary Protected Status program has the potential to cause real hardship for some SHARE members and their loved ones. Our union is here to support you and help you find the resources you need.
The AFL-CIO (the nation-wide federation of unions which includes SHARE) has compiled an online collection of resources, in multiple languages, which help to explain your rights and things to know about changes to US immigration policies, including Temporary Protected Status.
SHARE also encourage members to take advantage of the many resources provided by UMass Memorial Hospital, described below . . .
Support and Resources for Caregivers Dealing with the End of Temporary Protected Status
Information for Our Caregivers and Patients
The U.S. government has announced that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants will end in February 2026. The Department of Homeland Security also plans to end TPS programs for a number of other countries in the coming months.
We understand this news may bring uncertainty and stress for some of our caregivers, as well as for their families and friends. Please know that you are valued, and you are not alone. Immigrants from a number of other nations are also under TPS with various end dates. Learn more about TPS and end dates.
At UMass Memorial Health, our mission is rooted in caring for people — patients and caregivers alike. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and safe. If you are impacted by this change, we encourage you to explore the resources we’ve gathered to help you navigate this challenging time.
Support Through the Employee Assistance Program
We understand this is a difficult time for caregivers from countries where TPS status is ending, or for those who have friends or family members from such countries. Please take this opportunity to care for each other, lean on each other and take advantage of the following Optum Employee Assistance Program resources that are available to help.
In addition, our Optum Employee Assistance Program offers the following that may be helpful to caregivers at all UMass Memorial entities:
Access free Employee Assistance Program counselors 24/7: Call 866-263-3525
Access to counselors is also available on the go via Talkspace
Immigrant & Refugee Resources Throughout Central Massachusetts
Friendly House – Office of New Americans (ONA)
Helps immigrant and refugee families navigate services (form completion, notarizing, translation/interpretation), and connects to basic needs supports; walk‑in assistance is available during weekday hours.Catholic Charities of Worcester County – Immigration Legal Assistance
DOJ‑recognized program offering family‑based petitions, adjustment of status, work authorization, humanitarian relief (VAWA, U/T visas, asylum), and citizenship classes; service area across Worcester County; appointments required.Worcester Refugee Assistance Project (WRAP)
Community network supporting refugees with mentoring, advocacy, educational assistance, and housing support campaigns.Worcester RISE for Health (Refugee & Immigrant Support & Empowerment)
Provides culturally responsive, trauma‑informed health navigation and support services for refugees and immigrants in Worcester and surrounding towns.Ascentria Care Alliance – Refugee & Immigrant Services
Resettlement (“Services for New Americans”) and Immigration Legal Assistance Program offering low‑/no‑cost representation (family petitions, SIJS, TPS, VAWA, U/T visas, asylum), plus employment and language access via Language Bank.Refugee & Immigrant Assistance Center (RIAC)
Grassroots agency (Worcester, Boston, Lynn) providing refugee resettlement, post‑resettlement support, counseling, community education, and outreach. Worcester office on Chestnut Street.New England Justice for Our Neighbors (NEJFON)
Free immigration legal clinics serving Western, Central, and Northeast MA; focuses on humanitarian relief (asylum, SIJS, U/T, VAWA), with remote and in‑person appointments; clinics operate monthly in several cities (including Worcester).Central West Justice Center
Countywide civil legal aid; Central West Justice Center handles humanitarian immigration matters (asylum, VAWA, U/T visas) for low‑income residents; Fitchburg and Worcester offices.Massachusetts Office for Refugees & Immigrants (ORI) – Toolkits & Referrals
State programs for newcomers: citizenship assistance (CNAP), financial literacy, legal referral resources, emergency planning, and community‑based organization guides.Metrowest Legal Services - East Central Mass (including Marlborough)
Free legal services helping immigrant adults and youth (including survivors of domestic/sexual violence and other crimes) obtain status and representation before USCIS and Immigration Court.
Know Your Rights & Anti‑Discrimination
Attorney General’s Office – Resources for Immigrants
Explains civil rights protections (including national origin discrimination in housing and employment), workers’ rights, and education rights; the AGO does not ask about immigration status.Mass. Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) Community‑Based Organizations Resources
Toolkits for emergency planning, detainee locator, mental health help lines, and free immigration legal assistance flyers in multiple languages.
Have resources to add?
If you know a trusted immigrant-serving program in Central Massachusetts that isn’t listed here, send the name, link, and a 1–2 sentence description to communications@umassmemorial.org.