In response to the increasing number of migrants arriving at Boston's Logan Airport, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has dispatched administration members to the southern border to inform migrants of the limited shelter availability in the state.
Massachusetts has become the latest blue state to address the influx of migrants by sending officials to the southern border to warn them of the lack of shelter space in the state. The move comes as migrant arrivals at Boston's Logan Airport have surged in recent weeks, with over 100 people seen sleeping on the floors due to shelters reaching capacity.
Massachusetts Sends Officials to Southern Border to Warn Migrants of Full Shelters
Governor Maura Healey announced the deployment on Tuesday, citing "record" numbers of migrants arriving in Boston. The team of officials will connect with federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and migrant families to provide information about the limited shelter availability in Massachusetts.
The officials will visit airports, migrant shelters, ports of entry, and welcome centers in border cities such as San Antonio, McAllen, Hidalgo, and Brownsville. The goal is to educate migrants before they make their way to Boston to avoid overcrowding the already strained shelter system.
Massachusetts Sends Officials to Southern Border to Warn Migrants of Full Shelters
"This trip is an important opportunity to meet with families arriving in the U.S. and the organizations that work with them at the border to make sure they have accurate information about the lack of shelter space in Massachusetts," said Scott Rice, emergency assistance director general, in a statement.
Governor Healey declared a state of emergency in early August due to the influx of migrants. The state has since activated the National Guard to provide services and implemented a nine-month limit on stays in emergency shelters.
Massachusetts Sends Officials to Southern Border to Warn Migrants of Full Shelters
Massachusetts is one of several states that have struggled to cope with the increase in migrant arrivals. In fiscal year 2023, there were over 2.4 million migrant encounters at the southern border. Some migrants travel to specific destinations on their own, while others are bused by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to sanctuary cities.
Democratic-run states and cities have faced criticism for their handling of the migrant influx. Many mayors have called on the Biden administration for additional federal funding and expedited work permits to help migrants become self-reliant and reduce their reliance on social services.
Massachusetts Sends Officials to Southern Border to Warn Migrants of Full Shelters
Governor Healey has previously defended her state's welcoming approach to migrants, despite the increased pressure on its resources. In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Healey wrote, "Many of these families are migrants to Massachusetts, drawn here because we are and proudly have been a beacon to those in need."
The Massachusetts officials sent to the southern border will prioritize providing information about work authorizations, job training, English classes, and rehousing assistance. The state has reportedly helped over 3,785 migrants apply for work authorization and enrolled over 1,100 in English classes.
The surge in migrant arrivals has raised concerns about the capacity of shelters and the ability of states to provide adequate support. The Biden administration has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with Republican governors blaming the president's policies for encouraging illegal immigration.
