[UPDATED] Fact Sheet: Understanding Recent Immigration Policy Changes and Impact on the Disability Community – January 2026 Update

The Federal Government is changing immigration policies to impose more limitations on who can live and work in the United States by expanding deportation efforts and narrowing humanitarian initiatives and other immigration programs. In early 2026, additional federal actions further restricted immigration pathways, including the suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of dozens of countries, limiting family-based and employment-based immigration options. These changes contribute to prolonged family separation and reduced workforce availability in key sectors.

In Massachusetts, there is a high percentage of immigrants, with about 18% of the population being foreign-born. The proportion of immigrants in the workforce is specifically high within the human services and healthcare sectors.

In addition to the very concerning humanitarian impacts, the revocation of visas and mass deportations of immigrants are straining the already struggling human services workforce, including those who work with and support people with disabilities.

This is an evolving, overwhelming, and scary situation. This fact sheet aims to provide a high-level overview of the current situation and key definitions to help understand what is happening and how you can help. It is important to note that no single fact sheet can reflect the full scope of the challenges and uncertainty that families are facing in their daily lives. The Arc of Massachusetts will continue to share relevant information, resources and advocacy opportunities.