Individuals who have been sleeping overnight at the airport will now have the option to stay at a former minimum-security correctional facility, as per the latest update from Massachusetts authorities. This decision comes after around 100 illegal immigrants were found residing in makeshift conditions at Boston’s Logan International Airport.
The announcement was made by Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey in a press release on June 28, where she mentioned that a team of state officials had been sent to the southern border to inform border officials and NGOs that the state has reached full capacity in terms of shelter space.
Starting July 9, illegal immigrants and homeless U.S. citizens will no longer be allowed to spend the night at Logan Airport. Those who were on an emergency shelter waitlist will be provided accommodation at the refurbished Bay State Correctional Center in Norfolk, which can house up to 140 families or approximately 450 individuals.
Emergency Assistance Director Scott Rice emphasized that Logan Airport is not a suitable place for seeking shelter, and it is crucial for families traveling to Massachusetts to have an alternate housing plan in place.
According to previous reports by The Epoch Times, a group of at least 100 illegal immigrants, including single men and families with children, have been using Terminal E at Logan Airport as a temporary shelter.
Massport Interim CEO Edward Freni had previously highlighted the security risks posed by allowing illegal immigrants to reside at the airport, mentioning that it was not an appropriate accommodation for them.
Aside from Logan Airport, reports indicated that around 400 illegal immigrants were temporarily sheltering at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, although they were later relocated out of the airport.
The Massachusetts governor’s announcement coincided with efforts by the state officials to warn border authorities about the lack of shelter space in the state. The team visited various points of entry commonly used by illegal immigrants, including San Antonio, McAllen, Hidalgo, and Brownsville, to ensure that families arriving in the U.S. are aware of the situation.
Furthermore, Massachusetts has implemented restrictions on the duration of stay for homeless families, including illegal immigrants, in shelters, allowing for a maximum of nine months with the possibility of two 90-day extensions thereafter.
This update underscores the importance of having adequate housing plans in place for families in need, as well as the ongoing challenges associated with managing shelter capacity in Massachusetts.
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