“We’ve Just Reached Capacity Here”: Democrat Governor Says Massachusetts Can’t Handle Any More Migrants

Jo ShawNov 17, 2023

Minute Read

Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts recently declared that the state has reached its capacity and lacks additional funds to accommodate migrants arriving in the sanctuary city. In response to the escalating situation, the Governor has officially declared a state of emergency and mobilized the National Guard to assist in managing the increasing number of families arriving each week.

Almost 7,500 Families Arrived in Massachusetts

Democratic Governor Healey has stated that the state is witnessing a daily influx of 40 to 50 new families, many of whom lack lawful presence in the U.S. These individuals are turning to the state for housing assistance. As reported by the Boston Herald, the surge in population to Massachusetts has nearly reached the 7,500-family limit of the state’s shelter system. Approximately half of these families are reported to be recent arrivals from other countries.

Out of Space and Out of Funds

Healey told reporters, “We’ve just reached capacity here in terms of the physical space where we can house people, the number of service providers who are out there to provide services, and also the funds to pay for this.”

Right-to Shelter Law

The Healey administration was recently sued regarding its proposal to limit EA-shelter capacity and introduce a waitlist. Lawyers for Civil Rights, based in Boston, argued that Healey is obligated to provide a 90-day notice to the Legislature before altering the eligibility requirements of the shelter law. Massachusetts uniquely possesses a “right-to-shelter law,” granting migrant families access to taxpayer-funded emergency shelters. This statewide law, signed into effect in 1983 by Governor Michael Dukakis, distinguishes Massachusetts as the sole state in the country with such a provision.

Other States Should Help

Recently, Healey has proposed that other states contemplate welcoming migrants. “There are a lot of places in the country where people can go once they cross into the United States,” Healey told the Boston Herald.

Emergency Shelters Almost at Capacity

Earlier, Healey sought extra funding for emergency shelters, surpassing the already allocated $325 million in the annual state budget for the program. In a distinct legislative proposal to finalize the previous year’s financial accounts, Healey urged lawmakers to authorize an additional $250 million to address the increased demand for shelter services. “This level of demand is not sustainable,” she said to reporters in Boston.

Cannot Meet the Current Demand

Editorial credit: Ruben2533 / Shutterstock.

Bob Giannino, CEO at United Way, also said, “In an ideal world, our shelter system can do just what it has done, flex to accommodate a wave of people seeking shelter, but the reality is our state cannot meet the current demand.”

Families Placed on Waitlist

Healey declared that families will now be placed on a waiting list, with priority given to those with the most urgent needs. Commencing in November, she stated that no new shelter beds would be introduced in Massachusetts. Instead, emphasis will be placed on accommodating incoming families facing health or safety risks, while others will be placed on waiting lists.

Vulnerable Given Priority

Healey’s waitlist will give priority to women, young children, and individuals with severe medical needs and health concerns. Additionally, the state is contemplating imposing restrictions on the duration that a family can stay in a shelter. “The federal government is allowing people into the United States, and my position has been if you are going to allow people in, then work with us states on getting people working. Expedite those work authorizations,” Healey said.

Proposal to Limit the Right to Shelter

Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.

Criticism and demands for changes to the law have been increasing since the summer. State Representative Steven Xiarhos, a Republican from Cape Cod, supports a legislative initiative aiming to restrict the right to shelter exclusively to U.S. citizens. He expressed hope that the Governor’s recognition of limited shelter capacity would prompt a thorough re-evaluation of the right-to-shelter law.

It’s Hard to Keep Up

Steven Xiarhos said, “It’s nothing against the people who are coming. It’s the amount of people, in a short amount of time. It’s very hard to keep up, and we can’t afford it.”

Families Being Turned Away

Even under the right-to-shelter law, a significant number of families are turned away for not meeting eligibility guidelines, which provides legal aid to low-income people in central and western Massachusetts.

Concerns as Winter Approaches

“We are very much concerned about any families being left out,” said Marion Hohn, a senior supervising attorney at Central West Justice Center. “Whether newly arrived or longer-term residents, with winter approaching in New England, and without many alternatives to the state-funded shelter system.”

Massachusetts Offers Work Authorization Clinics

Nevertheless, in collaboration with Governor Healey, the Biden administration is presently developing a plan to establish work authorization clinics for migrants residing in shelters. This initiative will complement existing programs, including pro-bono work with immigration services, legal assistance, and MassHire.

Connecting Career Centers to Shelters

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MassHire links career centers to shelters, evaluating residents’ skills and work capabilities. The goal is to arrange appointments and offer transportation to the clinic for migrants residing in emergency shelters, aiding them in supporting their families and transitioning to more secure housing alternatives.

Partnering With the DHS

Healey announced that commencing earlier this month, the state, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, will initiate the hosting of work authorization clinics.

Biden-Harris Administration Hosting Clinic

Image Credit: Sheila Fitzgerald/Shutterstock.

“We are glad that the Biden-Harris Administration is hosting this clinic with us, which will help process work authorizations as efficiently as possible. Many shelter residents want to work but face significant barriers to getting their work authorizations,” Healey stated.

Help With More Stable Housing Options

She continued, “This clinic will be critical for building on the work that our administration has already been leading to connect more migrants with work opportunities, which will help them support their families and move out of emergency shelter into more stable housing options.”

When They Show Up, You Want to Close the Doors

People went online to comment on the migrant crisis in the state, many with mixed views. One user posted, “Get elected on Sanctuary City Platform…. when they show up, you want to close the doors… weird.”