Through numerous news headlines, phone calls, and emails to my office, it has come to my attention that illegal immigration is a growing concern throughout the Commonwealth. Many of these illegal immigrants are school aged, uneducated, and not vaccinated. The strain that is put on our localities is too much to bear. Municipalities are already strapped as they try to provide services for legal residents.
With our tight budget, housing waitlists that are years long, and limited state services, we must first serve our residents who are lawfully residing in Massachusetts. We cannot afford to provide services to illegal immigrants who have come here with no birth or medical records.
As a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives serving the City of Peabody, I believe that people need to start talking about this issue facing the Commonwealth. A starting point is opposing House Bill 1414, An Act Relative to Special Juveniles. This bill will allow illegal immigrants aged 18-21 to petition the court, claiming it to be in their best interest to stay in Massachusetts instead of returning to their home country. This bill is being pushed through the legislature with haste. This urgency most likely comes from the recent influx in these “special juveniles”. I urge you to call your State Representative and ask them to oppose this bill. It is time for Massachusetts to put its legal residents first.
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As always, I am available to discuss any concerns my constituents may have. Please feel free to email me at Leah.Cole@MAhouse.gov or call my office at 617-722-2430.
