Massachusetts’ Shelter System Overwhelmed By Illegal Migrants
Democrat Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is sounding the alarm on the state’s shelter system’s capacity, raising concerns about the future of shelter for migrant families. Speaking during a press conference at the state House, Healey made it clear that the state can no longer guarantee shelter placement for families who are sent there.
Currently, Massachusetts’ shelter system is grappling with the daunting task of accommodating approximately 23,000 individuals, including nearly 7,000 families. The system’s capacity stands at a maximum of 24,000 individuals or 7,500 families, and officials project that it will reach its limits by the end of October. This crisis comes at a time when colder months are approaching, posing greater health and safety risks to those in need.
Healey emphasized that families with higher needs will be prioritized for shelter as winter approaches. She attempted to reassure the public, saying, “I want to assure you that we will continue to engage, assess, and serve every family who appeals for help as best we can.”
Amid this crisis, Healey has made an urgent plea to the Biden administration for federal aid to help Massachusetts cope with the overwhelming influx of migrants. She has also urged for a streamlined work visa approval process for migrants to address the situation promptly. “This again affirms my call to the Biden administration,” the governor stated. “I think they know and understand clearly what it is that we are seeking, and those discussions are continuing. I’m hopeful that they will result in action soon for our state. But in the meantime, we can’t wait.”
Massachusetts is not alone in facing the challenges posed by the influx of illegal migrants. Other states and cities are also grappling with the issue. Chicago, for instance, is currently dealing with more than 18,000 migrants, with new arrivals arriving daily. Last month, the city of Chicago signed a $29.4 million contract with a private security firm to construct massive winterized camps for newly arrived illegal migrants.
New York City, too, is confronting a shelter crisis of monumental proportions. Since the spring of 2022, nearly 127,000 border crossers and illegal aliens have arrived in the city. Shockingly, over 64,000 of them are still reliant on local taxpayers and the city’s shelter system, which includes migrant hotels, camps in parks, and other buildings provided by the city, according to Mayor Eric Adams has raised concerns about the sustainability of this situation, warning that the city is “running out of room.”
The Democrat mayor has warned that the worsening migrant crisis will “destroy NYC.”