A recent report indicates that over 450,000 residents of Massachusetts struggle with limited English proficiency.
According to the Boston Herald, this situation adds “another challenge for an economy that continues to lose numerous taxpayers to states with lower taxes and living costs.”
The report, published by MassInc and UMass Donahue on Wednesday, estimates that approximately 480,000 people in the state have limited English proficiency (LEP), which constitutes about 10% of the workforce. This figure might be an underestimate, as it is based on 2022 Census data.
Governor Maura Healey announced plans to convert the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home into a shelter for migrants. (Adam Glanzman/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Google Maps/Screenshot)
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The report calls on state officials to support the increasing number of immigrants, enabling them to “fully contribute to the commonwealth’s social and economic vitality.” In addition, it suggests that elevating LEP individuals’ language skills by one level could provide local economies with an extra $3 billion in yearly earnings.
Consequently, the surge in migrant arrivals necessitates a swift expansion of “English for Speakers of Other Languages” (ESOL) services.
On May 23, migrant Alex St. Louis sets up a makeshift bed for his family at Boston Logan Airport. (Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
The report states, “Almost two decades later, increased investment in ESOL access has become more crucial than ever. Although Massachusetts has developed numerous effective models for delivering these services, funding for both state and federal ESOL has not kept pace with the growth of our immigrant population.”
This report follows Gov. Maura Healey’s announcement on Tuesday regarding new priorities that distinguish Massachusetts families for service access.
The new restrictions arise amid a surging number of migrants that is straining the state’s homeless shelter resources.
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The announcement by Gov. Maura Healey about prioritizing services for Massachusetts families was made on Tuesday. (Photographer: Adam Glanzman/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Our administration has implemented substantial measures over the past year to enhance the sustainability of the system and assist families in transitioning from shelters to stable housing. However, with Congress failing to enact immigration reform, further adjustments are required,” stated Gov. Healey.
Last month, Healey revealed that she dispatched members of her administration to the Texas border due to a “record” influx of migrants arriving in Boston.
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Officials are working to establish connections with federal agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and migrant families to inform them about the lack of available shelters in Massachusetts.
Many states and cities governed by Democrats are grappling with the migrant crisis, with several mayors calling on the Biden administration for increased federal support and expedited work permits to aid migrants in quickly finding employment and reducing their reliance on social services.
Fox News’ Adam Shaw contributed to this report.
