November 30th 2023.
On Thursday, the state of Massachusetts held a work authorization clinic for migrants who are new to the state, and more than 1,700 people showed up in Reading. It was part of an effort to help migrants get jobs, and Massachusetts Emergency Assistance Director Scott Rice said they are all here legally and eager to work.
The clinic was designed to help people get their work authorization in one day, which may otherwise take weeks and multiple visits. Attendees had the opportunity to get vaccinations, talk to lawyers about their legal cases, and even have someone take care of their children while they move through the clinic.
The push to get work authorization for migrants comes at a time when the waiting list for shelter space in Massachusetts has grown to nearly 100. National Guard Specialist Grace Colin from Brockton was on sight, and she translated for migrants who had walked from Haiti to Chile and then to the US border. She said many people died along the journey, but the survivors are strong and happy to be here.
The Massachusetts state legislature recently passed a supplemental budget which includes more money for migrants. A representative of the Biden Administration was present and said the president wants to answer Gov. Healey’s plea for more federal help. Daniel Koh, Deputy Assistant to the President, addressed the critics who complain the government is giving migrants too much, and he said small business owners need workers, so the government is trying to cut down the bureaucracy and make work authorization a reality.
Officials in Reading said the number of migrants arriving in Massachusetts has decreased in recent months, but more clinics like this may be run in the future to help the migrants get the resources they need.
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