Global Refuge Lists Massachusetts as a Sanctuary State

There has been a lot of discussion about immigration policies in Massachusetts and around the nation. The issue of illegal migration through so-called open borders dominated the recent national election.

As migrants began to pour into the country, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey declared a state of emergency in August of 2023. Massachusetts has a "right to shelter" law requiring the state to provide at least temporary shelter to all those without it. Some argue the law applies to "undocumented migrants" as well.

The Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) says, "Massachusetts has emerged as one of the top destinations for illegal immigrants in recent years, according to government records on immigration, court filings, and academic research."

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CIS says, "While many lawmakers, including the state's current governor, Maura Healey, have long embraced sanctuary policies that guarantee access to housing, welfare programs, health coverage, and other benefits regardless of immigration status, some are now raising concerns about the cost to taxpayers."

Global Refuge includes Massachusetts among 11 sanctuary states. Others include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.

The Global Refuge website says, "Some of these sanctuary states also designate counties to have policies in place that discourage or prohibit cooperation between local law and federal agents when dealing with undocumented immigrants."

CIS estimates the number of illegal immigrants living in Massachusetts to be about 355,000 at an annual cost to taxpayers of about a billion dollars.

The incoming Trump Administration says it will declare a state of emergency in January and begin removing many illegals. Healey vowed not to cooperate, while Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux said his department would not assist with immigration but that he would share information with federal authorities.