Massachusetts Leaders Urge Federal Government for Additional Supports for Migrant Families

350+ Massachusetts Leaders Co-Sign Letters to the Biden Administration and
Massachusetts Congressional Delegation Urging Supports for
Migrant Families Arriving in the Commonwealth

Recognizing an urgent need for assistance from partners in the federal government, 356 community leaders from the non-profit sector, business, health care, faith leaders, public agencies, municipalities, and philanthropic organizations across Massachusetts co-signed letters to the Biden Administration and to the Commonwealth’s Congressional delegation.

The letters call on the federal government to address specific needs in the areas of expedited work authorizations, congregate shelter sites, and federal funding for additional essential basic services. Federal partnership in addressing these vital priorities will ensure that Massachusetts can welcome migrant families in the most comprehensive and successful manner possible.

“Our faith values drive us to center our humanity, not only in calm times but in challenging times, as well,” reminded Cindy Rowe, President & CEO of the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action (JALSA). “Our teachings instruct us to love our neighbor as ourselves. We live out this value when we welcome migrant families into our state with understanding and compassion, and I am confident that our federal partners will support these efforts. These new families will enrich our Commonwealth and boost our economy, and we look forward to welcoming them into our communities.”

“The families we are welcoming have already endured various traumas from their home countries and during their long and perilous journeys to arrive here,” said Dr. Geralde Gabeau, Executive Director of Immigrant Family Services Institute. “We have a moral obligation to treat them with respect, dignity, and compassion. We need everyone to step up so that no one is left outside in the cold.”

“From the founding of Jewish Family Service of Metrowest in 1979, the focus has been on welcoming and taking care of the stranger,” noted Lino Covarrubias, CEO of Jewish Family Service of Metrowest. “The migrant families we work with on a daily basis are yearning for stability and eager to contribute to their new home communities. We hope those who represent us in Washington D.C. help us transition these new arrivals and provide what they need to become committed and productive citizens.”

“Addressing the compelling humanitarian needs of migrants for housing, food, and basic services has never been more urgent in our Commonwealth,” stated Nancy Huntington Stager, Executive Vice President, Eastern Bank. “Massachusetts’ nonprofits, for profits, and public sector leaders are pulling together to lean into this crisis as much as our resources allow, but we need the federal government to work in partnership with us around areas like expediting work authorizations and increasing funding. Getting people the vital services they need is the right and human thing to do, and assisting migrants who are eager and able to work into jobs helps build their independence as well as helps businesses fill their long-open positions.

The letters were initiated by the Working Group to Protect Migrant Families, which was formed to provide a welcoming presence for families coming into the Commonwealth, especially as hate groups have targeted new arrivals. The Working Group supports increased funding resources to help resettle families, encourages volunteer involvement, and provides information about how new immigrants benefit our state’s communities and economy. The Group is facilitated by the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action, along with a Coordinating Committee representing faith groups, direct service resettlement agencies, non-profits, and municipal associations.