Massachusetts Governor Proposes Stricter Rules for Migrant Shelters

Governor Maura Healey seeks to limit shelter access to legal residents and enhance safety measures following reports of crimes and overcrowding in state-run facilities.

Governor Healey's proposal would require shelter applicants to verify legal residency and disclose prior criminal convictions, with limited exceptions for families with U.S. citizen children.
The state plans to phase out the use of hotels and motels as emergency shelters by the end of 2025 to address financial and safety concerns.
An independent investigation has been launched to examine why background checks were inconsistently conducted at shelters, despite prior claims of vetting.
Over 1,000 incidents, including violent crimes and sexual assaults, were reported in Massachusetts' shelters from 2022 to 2024, raising alarm about safety and management practices.
Healey has requested an additional $425 million to sustain the shelter program for six months, citing the strain of accommodating over 50,000 migrants since 2021.