Boston, MA – Officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are set to visit Massachusetts this week to address the ongoing migrant crisis, which has pushed the state to the brink. Governor Maura Healey has declared a state of emergency, emphasizing the urgent need for federal assistance in dealing with the escalating situation.
The Massachusetts emergency shelter system reached a crisis point in August, prompting Governor Healey to declare a state of emergency. The crisis was primarily driven by a substantial increase in homeless and refugee families seeking shelter in the state. Currently, an estimated 22,000 parents and children are within the state’s shelter system. The fiscal year 2024 budget allocates nearly $600 million to support the family shelter system, reflecting the magnitude of the issue.
Karissa Hand, a spokeswoman for the governor’s office, expressed the administration’s readiness to welcome DHS officials and provide insights into the challenging circumstances Massachusetts is facing. Hand emphasized the importance of swift congressional action on President Biden’s $4 billion supplemental request, which would allocate funding to cities and states dealing with the migrant crisis.
The visit by DHS officials signifies the government’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue of shelter and support for homeless and refugee families. The collaboration between state and federal authorities is essential in managing the crisis effectively and providing assistance to those in need.
