Blue State Panics, Chickens Come Home To Roost
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has declared a state of emergency over the overwhelming number of immigrants in the state’s shelter system.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Healey said there are now 5,600 families housed in emergency shelters – an 80 percent increase from the same time a year ago. She attributed the sudden uptick in the number of immigrants to the international migrant crisis.
“They are here because where they came from is too dangerous to stay there,” said Healey. “Massachusetts has and will always be a beacon of hope, compassion, humanity and opportunity.”
At the press conference, Healey issued an “urgent and formal appeal” to the federal government to remove barriers, expedite work authorizations, and fund additional shelters.
Massachusetts is the only state in the country with the right-to-shelter law, which guarantees emergency shelter to homeless families.
In May, New York City Mayor Eric Adams asked a judge to relieve the city from its own right-to-shelter obligation.
Now, Representative and state Senate candidate Peter Durant wants Healey to file legislation to repeal the law in Massachusetts.
“Our homeless shelters are maxed out. Hotels across the state have been converted to shelters. And the problem is growing on a daily basis,” Durant stated.
He went on to express concern that all of the assistance being provided to immigrants is taking away resources from legal residents and may even pose a safety risk for children.
“It is time to repeal the Right to Settle law, so Massachusetts will stop being a magnet state. Today, I am asking Governor Healey to file emergency legislation to repeal it,” concluded Durant.
Healey has responded to this call by stating she will “do whatever is necessary.” She will be exploring any and all options to prevent this crisis from getting worse.
The pressure on Massachusetts continues to mount as the number of immigrants continues to grow, and the state is looking to the federal government for assistance. In the meantime, Healey is searching for solutions that will enable Massachusetts to meet everyone’s needs.
NEW: Mass Gov. Maura Healey declares a state of emergency due to a migrant surge in the liberal state.
She says there are more than 5,500 families receiving services “including very young children and pregnant people…” pic.twitter.com/Z8lF68bNXP
— Adam Shaw (@AdamShawNY) August 8, 2023