President Trump’s executive orders about the border and immigration are expected to slow down the number of migrants coming to the Bay State and “ease the pressure” on the emergency shelter system.
Trump had been warning of his Day 1 executive orders about cracking down on border crossings, halting illegal immigration, and sending U.S. troops to help support immigration agents.
The president was planning to suspend refugee resettlement, and end birthright citizenship, which is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution under the 14th Amendment.
“They (the executive orders) will slow down the flow of illegal immigration to Massachusetts, which is at a crisis level,” Jessica Vaughan, director of policy for the Center for Immigration Studies, told the Herald, “And should over time, start to ease the pressure on Gov. (Maura) Healey’s shelter system.
“We can expect further orders on interior enforcement, which also will have a more direct effect in Massachusetts,” Vaughan added.
A steady stream of migrants arriving in Massachusetts over the past year and a half have stressed the shelter system and turned it into a costly burden for taxpayers.
“We expect that the border will be secured and it will help to end the influx of migrants and illegal immigrants from entering the Commonwealth,” MassGOP spokesperson Logan Trupiano said of Trump’s executive orders. “In spite of Governor Healey and the Democratic supermajority, Massachusetts will be far more secure and prosperous thanks to President Trump’s policies.”
Healey last week proposed a series of major changes to the emergency shelters — which attempt to cordon off the maxed-out system from individuals who are not Massachusetts residents, including by implementing a three-month residency requirement.
As part of Trump’s “America’s First Priorities,” the president was suspending refugee resettlement “after communities were forced to house large and unsustainable populations of migrants, straining community safety and resources,” the White House said in a statement.
Massachusetts is “a refugee destination,” Vaughan said.
“This would mean no more refugees would be allowed to resettle in Massachusetts in the very near future,” she added.
The leader of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition called Monday a “dark day for America.”
“This country is a nation of immigrants who work tirelessly day in and day out to provide a better life for themselves, their families and generations to come,” said Executive Director Elizabeth Sweet. “This clear deviation from American values is why the MIRA Coalition is more dedicated than ever to stand up for the rights of immigrants and refugees in Massachusetts and across the country.
“We remain focused on ensuring that all immigrants, regardless of status, know their rights and have access to legal representation,” Sweet added. “At the same time, we call upon Beacon Hill to pass policies including the Safe Communities Act, which protects immigrants and prevents state and local law enforcement from doing the work of ICE agents.”
Lawyers for Civil Rights on Monday launched the Immigrant Defense Hotline (617-988-0606) to expand access to free legal advice for immigrants facing imminent threats.
“Our hotline will be staffed with attorneys from LCR’s staff and pro bono network,” LCR wrote. “Callers who leave a message will receive a same-day response to questions about immigration enforcement and reports of immigration raids. We will track activity closely with community partners and mobilize legal and policy advocacy to protect immigrant families.”
Herald wire services were used in this report.
