A recent report has shed light on the potential fiscal impact of the migrant crisis on Massachusetts residents. The state is projected to spend a staggering $1.8 billion over the next two years, leading to concerns about a looming 'fiscal time bomb.' The Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) released a report on July 24, highlighting the challenges that Massachusetts may face in managing the increasing number of migrants entering the state.
The report emphasized the significant costs associated with providing temporary housing, shelters, schooling, social services, medical care, and public safety to migrants. These individuals are eligible for various welfare programs in Massachusetts, including food stamps, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, and other public services.
According to the report, the state has already spent over $1 billion on the Emergency Assistance (EA) sheltering program for migrants. The report also noted that some migrants arrived in Massachusetts under the Biden administration's parole programs, adding to the financial burden on the state.
Governor Maura Healey implemented restrictions on shelter programs to prioritize state residents amidst the influx of migrants. The report estimated that there are approximately 355,000 'illegal and inadmissible' migrants in Massachusetts, with 50,000 new arrivals since 2021, including 10,000 minors, of which 8,500 are unaccompanied.
While migrants generally have high labor force participation rates, the report highlighted the language barrier faced by new arrivals, who may lack the necessary education or skills to achieve self-sufficiency in Massachusetts. Another study revealed that over 450,000 Massachusetts residents have limited English-language proficiency, constituting around 10% of the state's workforce.
Governor Healey recently dispatched members of her administration to the Texas border to address the increasing number of migrants arriving in Boston. The officials aim to collaborate with federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and migrant families to raise awareness about the limited shelter availability in Massachusetts.
Despite these challenges, Governor Healey's office has not yet commented on the findings of the CIS study, leaving many questions unanswered about the state's future response to the migrant crisis.
