Massachusetts bans migrant families from sleeping at Boston's Logan Airport

Dozens of migrants who have been sleeping on the floors of Boston's Logan International Airport are being forced to leave as a new state rule takes effect. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey had previously announced that migrants had until July 9 to vacate the airport and would be provided with taxpayer-funded accommodation at a former minimum-security dorm-like facility in Norfolk. The migrants are now being ordered to leave, with the state offering them accommodation at the Bay State Correctional Center or transfers to other new "safety-net" sites. The Bay State facility, which can house up to 140 migrants and homeless families, provides amenities such as showers, bathrooms, a cafeteria, gymnasium, and common rooms. The site is staffed 24/7 and offers transportation for families. The state has been increasing efforts to assist migrants with housing, work authorization, job placements, and English classes. Massachusetts officials have been addressing the challenge of accommodating new migrants, emphasizing the need for housing arrangements that do not involve Logan Airport or the state's shelter system. The decision to remove migrants from Logan Airport comes after months of migrants seeking shelter there due to the state's lack of emergency shelter space. The former prison shelter in Norfolk is a temporary solution, giving migrants nine months to secure jobs and transition to permanent housing. The emergency shelter system in Massachusetts has been operating at or near capacity since last November, prompting the state to take action to address the situation. Volunteers like Keturah Douze, who has been assisting migrant families at the airport, express mixed feelings about the relocation. While acknowledging the need to ensure safety and provide better living conditions for migrants, Douze also empathizes with their struggles and aspirations for a better future. The state's efforts to manage the influx of migrants reflect a broader challenge faced by cities and states in accommodating newcomers while balancing resources and support services.