Statement on Bipartisan Federal Immigration Reform

The following is a joint statement from Massachusetts Senate President Karen E. Spilka, Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano and Governor Maura Healey:

“From day one, we have prioritized ensuring that vulnerable families in Massachusetts have a safe place to sleep at night, and that cities and towns across the state have access to the resources that they need in order to manage the challenges that continue to stem from the influx of migrants. We have also been clear regarding the need for federal support, and we have for months been calling on Congress to pass immigration reform after decades of inaction that have led us directly to this point. We are therefore calling on the U.S. Senate to pass the proposed bipartisan national security bill and the U.S. House to take up a version of this bill as soon as possible. It is shameful for Speaker Johnson and House Republicans to declare this much-needed legislation ‘dead on arrival’ when families need help, states are straining under the cost of increased services, and the majority of Americans have expressed a desire to pass immigration reform. This agreement includes provisions that would bolster our state's ability to manage this situation. The proposal would make our border more secure, make funding available to reimburse states for some of the costs associated with supporting new arrivals, and expedite the process to obtain a work permit. Missing this opportunity for true bipartisan reform will continue to have negative ripple effects on states, and on the nation as a whole, for decades to come. It is time for Congress to act so that President Biden can sign a version of this bill into law.”