In a significant move, most migrant families who had been sleeping at Logan Airport’s Terminal E have now been relocated. This comes after Governor Maura Healey announced last Friday that overnight stays at the airport would be prohibited starting July 9.
According to Boston 25 News, only a few migrant families remained on the Emergency Assistance shelter waitlist at Logan Airport this past Saturday. The state has been proactive in transferring these families to various locations within its new safety-net system. One such location is a former prison in Norfolk, which opened as a shelter site last week and can accommodate up to 140 families.
Jeffrey Thielman, president and CEO of the International Institute of New England, praised the state’s decision. “We can provide them better services,” Thielman told Boston 25 News. “[Migrant families] are on top of one another. It’s not that comfortable. They’re sleeping on the floor.”
Thielman, who frequently interacts with the families at Logan Airport, explained that many migrants came to Massachusetts seeking employment opportunities. He emphasized that the move would significantly improve their living conditions.
Despite the state’s efforts, the new shelter site in Norfolk has faced criticism from local residents. They expressed concerns that the state did not inform local officials about the plans until they were already underway, potentially placing an undue burden on the town’s population of about 11,000.
Thielman addressed these concerns, encouraging the community to welcome the new residents. “Over time, these people will become your friends and neighbors. They will get into the school system and become friends with your kids. They will eventually integrate into the community as all immigrants do,” he told Boston 25 News.
The relocation initiative is part of a broader effort by the Healey administration to provide more adequate and humane living conditions for migrant families in Massachusetts. The move also aims to address the increasing number of migrants seeking assistance in the state.
While the transition to new shelters marks a significant step forward, it also highlights the challenges of balancing immediate humanitarian needs with local community concerns. The Healey administration continues to work on finding sustainable solutions for migrant families, ensuring they receive the necessary support to integrate into Massachusetts communities.