The migrant crisis is estimated to result in a financial burden of approximately $1.8 billion for Massachusetts taxpayers in the upcoming two years.

The migrant crisis could result in a significant financial burden for Massachusetts residents, with the state projected to spend $1.8 billion over the next two years, potentially making it a "fiscal time bomb."

On July 24, the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) published a report predicting that Massachusetts, commonly known as The Bay State, will face challenges in managing the increasing number of migrants arriving in the state.

According to CIS director of policy studies Jessica Vaughan, the cost of temporary housing and shelters to Massachusetts taxpayers is significant, but it is dwarfed by the future costs that will be incurred if those currently in temporary shelters remain in the Commonwealth for an extended period.

Besides housing, taxpayers will also have to bear the expenses of schooling, social services, medical care, and public safety.

Despite federal restrictions, migrants in Massachusetts are eligible for various welfare programs, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and other public services.

Over $1 billion has been spent by the state on the Emergency Assistance (EA) program, which accommodates migrants.

Some migrants in the Emergency Assistance program came under one of the Biden administration's contentious parole programs, as per the report.

According to the report, some State budget officials anticipate needing to spend an additional $1.8 billion in the upcoming two years.

To prioritize state residents, Gov. Maura Healey, D., imposed restrictions on migrant shelter programs.

The number of "illegal and inadmissible" migrants living in Massachusetts is estimated to be around 355,000, with 50,000 new arrivals since 2021. Additionally, the report stated that 10,000 migrants were minors, with 8,500 being unaccompanied.

Although migrants often have high labor force participation rates, newcomers may struggle with a language barrier and lack the necessary education or skills to become self-sufficient in Massachusetts.

According to a report by MassInc and UMass Donahue, about 10% of Massachusetts' workforce, or over 450,000 residents, have limited English-language proficiency. However, this data may be an undercount since it is based on 2022 Census estimates.

Last month, Healey revealed that she had dispatched members of her administration to the Texas border due to the "surge" of migrants heading towards Boston.

Officials will connect with federal agencies, NGOs, and migrant families to inform them about the limited availability of shelters in Massachusetts.

The CIS study was not immediately commented upon by Healey's office.