"Massachusetts Declares State of Emergency as Migrant Influx Surges"

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has declared a state of emergency due to a surge of migrants seeking shelter in the state. The number of families in the emergency shelter system has increased by 80% compared to last year. Governor Healey has appealed to the federal government for assistance in removing barriers and expediting work authorizations for migrants, as well as funding new shelters. Massachusetts is the only state with a "right-to-shelter" law, guaranteeing homeless families access to emergency shelter. Some officials and candidates have called for the repeal of this law, citing strain on resources and potential safety risks.