Massachusetts Working with Federal Officials to Expedite Work Permits for Migrants Amid Shelter Overcrowding

Legal clinic slated for November to process work authorizations for migrants living in overcrowded shelters as the state's shelter system nears its capacity limit; move comes amid legal challenge against Governor Healey's proposed limit on migrant family shelter spots.

The state of Massachusetts, in collaboration with Federal Department of Homeland Security, will hold a legal clinic in November to process work permits for migrants residing in emergency shelters. This initiative is aimed at freeing up shelter space amid overcrowding and facilitating migrants' transition to more permanent living situations.
Governor Maura Healey proposed a limit on the number of families in the shelter system capped at 7,500, causing a legal challenge as Lawyers for Civil Rights Boston filed a class-action lawsuit accusing the state of undermining the right-to-shelter law without due process.
Despite reaching the shelter system's capacity limit, the Healey administration plans to continue its effort to connect migrants with work opportunities and help them move out of the shelter system. Additional procedural information regarding the shelter system will be shared this week.
Housing advocates are pressuring Beacon Hill lawmakers to approve a $250 million fund to strengthen the shelter system. They plan a demonstration in front of the State House.
Despite the legal challenge against Healey's proposal to limit shelter spots, the Governor maintains that her administration is not planning to abandon the right-to-shelter law, but make modifications to cater to those families with the highest needs.