Criticism arises as Massachusetts announces plans to convert a decommissioned prison into an emergency shelter for illegal immigrants while neglecting the needs of homeless Americans.
BIDEN MIGRANT CRISIS: Officials in one Massachusetts community are "scrambling" after the state announced a nearby former prison will be transformed into an "emergency shelter" for illegals pic.twitter.com/Bu040DX7r6
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) May 14, 2024
Governor Maura Healey’s (D) decision to repurpose the Bay State Correctional Center in Norfolk for approximately 140 illegal immigrant families has sparked controversy over the allocation of resources.
Massachusetts Governor announced the state is turning a former prison into a shelter to house illegals and their families.
All on the taxpayer dollar, of course.
Democrats are okay with putting kids in cages!!! pic.twitter.com/SINB1qjibt
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) May 12, 2024
Amidst a housing crisis that has left 7,500 families without shelter, the state’s emergency shelter system has reached full capacity, highlighting the dire need for additional support. However, instead of prioritizing homeless Americans, the government has opted to provide temporary housing for illegal immigrants, drawing backlash from local officials and community members.
Norfolk officials expressed dismay at the lack of consultation regarding the decision to convert the prison into a shelter for illegal immigrants. With concerns about the impact on local resources and infrastructure, including schools and public services, residents are calling for greater transparency and accountability from state authorities.
Jim Lehan, a member of the Norfolk Select Board, criticized the government’s unilateral approach, stating, “We were taken back a little bit… All we know is we have got people coming here and we have got issues that are related to it, and we are going to have to work our way through it.” The decision to prioritize illegal immigrants over homeless Americans has left many communities feeling neglected and underserved.
Furthermore, the government’s plan to convert a National Guard armory in Lexington into a shelter for illegal immigrants further underscores its misplaced priorities. Despite ongoing challenges facing homeless Americans, state authorities have failed to address the root causes of homelessness and provide adequate support to those in need.
Paul Craney of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance criticized Governor Healey’s handling of the migrant crisis, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions to address the underlying factors driving immigration. Healey’s decision to prioritize the needs of illegal immigrants over homeless Americans reflects a failure of leadership and a disregard for the well-being of local communities.
As the government moves forward with its plans to convert the prison into a shelter for illegal immigrants, residents and officials continue to demand accountability and action to address the housing crisis facing homeless Americans. With limited resources and increasing demand for shelter services, the government must prioritize the needs of its citizens and provide equitable support to all members of the community.
