Washington, D.C. (July 25, 2024) – A new report from the Center for Immigration Studies highlights the emergence of Massachusetts as a significant destination for illegal immigrants, driven by sanctuary policies and federal parole programs under the Biden administration. This influx has sparked concern among lawmakers and taxpayers regarding its economic impact and sustainability. The report explores the Bay State’s experience as a case study of the fiscal impacts of high levels of illegal immigration and recommends ways Massachusetts, and other states, can mitigate the cost to taxpayers.
“The Biden-Harris mass immigration policies have had profound impacts in many states beyond the traditional destinations for illegal immigration,” said Jessica Vaughan, the Center’s director of policy studies and author of the report. “These effects are exacerbated by state and local policy choices to implement sanctuary policies and to guarantee access to housing, welfare programs, health coverage, and other benefits regardless of immigration status. The costs are already massive, and will get worse as many of the migrants admitted by Biden become qualified for certain benefits starting in 2026. States can’t control what the federal government does, but they can use their own authorities to limit the burden on taxpayers.”
Key Findings:
- Influx and Costs: Massachusetts has seen over 50,000 new illegal and inadmissible migrants since 2021, placing the population at more than 355,000. The state has spent over $1 billion on emergency shelters, with an anticipated additional cost of $1.8 billion in the next two years.
- Welfare Access: Despite federal restrictions, illegal immigrants in Massachusetts can access certain welfare programs, with potential significant costs looming from parolees becoming eligible for benefits in 2026.
- Educational Burden: The state now educates approximately 10,000 migrant children, contributing significantly to its $575 million annual education expenditure. These costs are exacerbated by language barriers and other educational needs.
- Healthcare and Safety: All illegal immigrants have access to government-subsidized healthcare, with proposed expansions potentially costing Massachusetts up to $166 million annually. Public safety costs, including incarceration, have surged, fueled by criminal activities among some recent arrivals.
Recommendations:
To mitigate these costs, the report suggests several policy changes for Massachusetts that may be implemented by jurisdictions around the country, including:
- Limit Welfare Benefits: Restrict access to state welfare benefits for illegal immigrants, aligning policies more closely with federal mandates. Additionally, limit eligibility for the state emergency shelter system to U.S. citizens and lawful residents.
- Enhance Enforcement: Expand E-Verify and enforce stricter penalties on employers hiring illegal workers, reducing the economic pull factors for migration.
- Public Safety Measures: Strengthen collaboration with federal immigration authorities and enhance resources for law enforcement to address crime associated with illegal immigration, such as gang crime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, money laundering, human smuggling, and identity theft.
- Transparency and Oversight: Require NGOs assisting migrants to register and report activities, promoting transparency and local accountability.
Conclusion:
Massachusetts is among the states that face critical decisions on policy and resource allocation due in large part to the failed federal policies which have led to an unprecedented influx of illegal immigrants. But state actions, such as those listed in this report, have proven to be effective in reducing the size of the illegal population and in reducing the fiscal cost of services.
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