Gov. Maura Healey among several calling on Biden for action on immigration crisis

BOSTON (WLNE) – Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey joined eight other governors today calling for federal action on the increasing number of migrants arriving in states across the U.S.

The governors sent a letter to White House and congressional leaders on Monday asking for increased funding for states and the passing of a border security legislative package.

Healey was joined by Governor Hochul of New York, Governor Hobbs of Arizona, Governor Newsom of California, Governor Polis of Colorado, Governor Pritzker of Illinois, Governor Moore of Maryland, Governor Murphy of New Jersey and Governor Grisham of New Mexico.

The governors asked for “Washington to work together to solve what has become a humanitarian crisis,” saying “States and cities cannot indefinitely respond to the subsequent strain on state and local resources without Congressional action.”

An excerpt from the letter read as follows:

“While the Biden Administration has made important progress in managing immigration at the Southwest border, the number of migrants arriving in states and cities seeking emergency shelter continues to increase at record pace. States and cities have spent billions to address inaction by Congress and match these challenges with solutions for our state and local economies. However, it is clear our national immigration system is outdated and unprepared to respond to this unprecedented global migration. Without serious reform informed by evidence based solutions, the challenges facing states and localities will only grow.”

Back in August, Gov. Healey declared a state of emergency due to the state’s migrant and housing crises.

To read the full letter, click here.