Massachusetts Migrant Benefits Could Top $1 Billion

Taxpayers are taking good care of the thousands of migrants who have arrived in Massachusetts since the start of the "border crisis" that prompted Governor Maura Healey to declare a state of emergency last August.

Dozens of migrant families find shelter at Boston Logan Airport on a nightly basis, while hundreds of others occupy hotels, motels, and overflow shelters. CBS News Boston reported in February that the state had at least 17 contracts for housing totaling more than $116 million.

That was as of February.

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The station said, "The state's Right to Shelter Law requires it to provide families with refrigeration and basic cooking facilities." However, some accommodations do not have those appliances, "leaving the state to contract out for food and delivery."

Media reports indicate vendors charge Massachusetts taxpayers $16 for breakfast, $17 for lunch, and $31 for dinner daily for each migrant the state feeds. CBS News Boston says an East Boston drop-off catering company "was awarded a $10 million six-month no-bid contract to provide and deliver meals."

The Office of Health and Human Services Office for Refugees and Immigrants says in addition to food and shelter Massachusetts offers other benefits to "refugees."

Those benefits include assistance with housing, furnishings, food, basic necessities, clothing, transportation to job interviews and job training, assistance in applying for social security cards, registering children for school, using public transportation, and community and cultural orientation.

The Salem News reports Massachusetts has already reimbursed local school districts more than $10 million to help them cover the cost of educating the new arrivals.

Fox Business says, "The total cost of the crisis is expected to cost hardworking taxpayers $1 billion."

Mass Legal Help has more information about government benefits available to immigrants in Massachusetts.