Democratic Governor Maura Healey declared a ‘state of emergency’ on Tuesday due to an influx of migrants in Massachusetts.
According to the New York Post, Healey says the migrants are putting a strain on the local emergency resources. Healey has now urged federal government to step up and help solve a “severe lack of shelter availability.”
Healey said: “I am declaring a state of emergency in Massachusetts and urging my partners in the federal government to take the action we need to address this crisis by streamlining the work authorization process and passing comprehensive immigration reform.
“Many of these families are migrants to Massachusetts, drawn here because we are and proudly have been a beacon to those in need.”
The NY Post says officials estimate there are currently around 5,600 families in state shelter. This is thought to be around 20,000 in state accommodation.
Healey announced the state of emergency in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. She called on the Biden administration to “remove the burdensome barriers keeping people from getting work authorizations, address our outdated and punitive immigration laws, and provide much needed financial assistance to help states like Massachusetts address this national issue.”
She added: “These new arrivals desperately want to work and we have historic demand for workers across all industries.”
The declaration in Massachusetts follows similar announcements by New York state and the city of Chicago. Current US rules mean migrants waiting for asylum decisions can work in the country.
move the burdensome barriers keeping people from getting work authorizations, address our outdated and punitive immigration laws, and provide much needed financial assistance to help states like Massachusetts address this national issue.
Although, according to the Immigration Reform Law Institute, they have to wait five months to apply. Work permits can be issued after 30 additional days, although the applications are often delayed.
Massachusetts is the only US state with a “right-to-shelter” law. This guarantees homeless families a place to stay regardless of whether or not they are US citizens.
In May, New York City Mayor Eric Adams looked to suspend the city’s “right-to-shelter” obligations. He did however say he never looked to axe the rule state-wide.
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll has now urged Massachusetts families to open their doors to migrants. She said: “This is not a crisis that our family shelter system was designed to handle. For months now, state government and our providers have been doing the work of stretching the system as far as it can safely go.
“But we really need to bring more people into this work to make it a true team effort. If you have an extra room or suite in your home, please consider hosting a family. Safe housing and shelter is our most pressing need.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis last year flew migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard, MA. Officials have called for an investigation into the flight.
