immigration Archives - Cambridge | Somerville Independent

As America held down or kept out Asian immigrants, Harvard hired a Chinese professor in 1879

by Beth Folsom of History Cambridge May 18, 2026

The presence in Cambridge was a curiosity and a sign of Harvard’s increasing awareness of the place China was to occupy on the world stage.

OPINION

Where are consuls as immigrants get seized for deportation? Not where they should be.

by Martin G. Evans May 3, 2026

Why so little consular activity reported for thousands of people detained by ICE? It may be that the locations of consulates do not map the needs of the moment.

DID YOU KNOW

Guess who was left out of the speeches in 1905 celebrating Cambridge’s 275th anniversary

by Beth Folsom of History Cambridge April 27, 2026

“We cannot help but look forward with some anxiety to the future,” the president of Harvard said. “The Puritans no longer control Cambridge.”

BUSINESS

Cambridge city councillor McGovern urges a boycott of Citizens Bank over its support of ICE

by Marc Levy April 15, 2026

Pressure against Citizens Bank for its political investments has grown to include Cambridge city councillor Marc McGovern.

NEWS

Somerville is beefing up its Welcoming Community Ordinance against Trump policies

by Marc Levy April 11, 2026

A law that spells out Somerville’s resistance to federal oppression is being strengthened, including protections for First Amendment expression.

NEWS

Bill stopping ICE’s courthouse seizures wins support in Somerville as a Cambridge family mourns

by Marc Levy March 13, 2026

Somerville city councilors became the first in the state to vote in support of a bill on Beacon Hill that protects courtgoers from seizure by ICE.

NEWS

There’s already debate, over the Legislature’s work ethic, as Miller challenges Connolly in the 26th

by Marc Levy March 8, 2026

A seat encompassing East Cambridge and East Somerville is getting its first Democratic political primary – and race of any kind – since 2016.

BUSINESS

Second day of protest is planned against Citizens Bank over support of for-profit ICE prisons

by Marc Levy March 2, 2026

Four local branches of Citizens Bank are due for protests Saturday over the bank’s involvement with for-profit prison companies working with ICE.

NEWS

Immigration attorney Diann Slavit Baylis wants Governor’s Council seat to appoint better judges

by Marc Levy February 20, 2026

While most immigration proceedings are federal, a path to citizenship for unaccompanied minors is determined at the state level, the candidate notes.