In a bid to address the increasing homeless population exacerbated by illegal immigration, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey (D) has called upon residents with available space in their homes and apartments to offer shelter to border crossers and illegal aliens. This initiative comes as the state struggles to accommodate the influx of new arrivals and grapples with the financial burden of providing temporary accommodations for them in nearly 40 hotels and motels, all at taxpayers’ expense.
The appeal from Gov. Healey seeks to find temporary housing solutions for newly arrived families until longer-term arrangements can be made. Many of these families, fleeing violence and hardships in their home countries, have traversed through multiple states before finding their way to Massachusetts. A significant portion of the state’s housing needs are attributed to these new immigrants.
Critics, however, have noted that the distribution of these migrants does not seem to encompass some of the state’s affluent areas, sparking discussions about equitable housing placement. Boston Herald columnist Howie Carr highlighted that the majority of the state’s high-end destinations, such as Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Cambridge, and Newburyport, have not been part of the housing assistance program for the border crossers and illegal aliens.
Rep. Peter Durant, R-Spencer, fills FOIA request with Gov. Maura Healey seeking information on how much $$$ state is spending to house & feed illegal alien criminals flooding into MA. pic.twitter.com/uwNNs30tsT
— Howie Carr (@HowieCarrShow) May 31, 2023
As the initiative moves forward, officials aim to foster a sense of community involvement and responsibility by urging residents with available bedrooms or apartments to step up and provide support. However, not everyone is on board with the plan, citing concerns about the impact on local communities, infrastructure, and public resources.
As of today, Massachusetts is home to approximately 316,000 illegal aliens. This significant population has strained public services and housing availability, leading to an urgent need for creative solutions to accommodate those in need.
