A recent survey found that a larger proportion of Massachusetts residents believe that illegal immigration is a key issue. The shift in attitude came after thousands of migrants came to Boston since the large wave of illegal immigration since President Joe Biden took office in 2021.
The most recent CommonWealth/GBH News conducted last month found that 21% of the state’s residents list migrants or immigration as the top issue facing the state. Not far behind was housing at 15%.
The state has seen significant trouble housing migrants, including a call from Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) requesting that residents consider allowing migrants to stay with them.
Furthermore, two-thirds of residents described the current migrant crisis as a significant issue, including 28% who call it a crisis and 39% who call it a “major problem.” Another 20% call it a “minor problem.”
Illegal migrant, 20, is arrested for child rape in Massachusetts after district court IGNORED request to detain him https://t.co/NE84dQQxG6 pic.twitter.com/ntZeUpAA02
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) April 16, 2024
The state was the scene of one of the major flashpoints in the current immigration debate after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) sent migrants to the rich area of Martha’s Vineyard in 2022.
Boston is among a number of cities that have received a significant influx of illegal aliens. The flow of migrants has increased since the Biden administration ended the Title 42 asylum program authorized by former President Donald Trump.
The increased number of migrants has affected a number of major cities, including New York, which has seen almost 200,000 illegal immigrants enter over the past two years. The increased number of migrants is apparent due to images of migrants sleeping on the sidewalk and large migrant shelters.
Polls taken since the start of the migrant wave also showed an increased number of New Yorkers expressing concern about illegal immigration. Those stating that the state had done enough to aid the migrants increased significantly.
In addition, New York has seen an increase in crime following the current wave. The city has also seen a significant number of vehicle thefts in the previous year and even open fighting between migrant gangs. The city announced significant budget cuts to meet the cost of the migrants and is currently considering tax increases.
