Boston Airport Disrupted as Migrants Sleep in Terminals Amid Growing Crisis

The migrant crisis in the United States has been hitting the news headlines for weeks now as the situation reaches new heights. Due to shelter capacity issues across Massachusetts, many migrants have been forced to spend nights at Boston Logan International Airport.

Terminal Shelter

Logan Airport's International Terminal, Terminal E, has been serving as a temporary migrant shelter as state authorities grapple with migrant shelter issues. According to NBC Boston, the western part of Terminal E is used as a makeshift shelter for dozens of migrants every night.

The majority of migrants are from Haiti or Central American nations. Due to the expected lack of proper sleeping facilities in the terminal's landside area, people have to sleep on the floor or benches. Some individuals and families have stayed at the airport for weeks as the shelter crisis escalates. This includes those previously at a proper shelter but was not allowed back in due to its hitting capacity.

Logan Airport is operated by the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport). They say that migrants arrive daily, some by air but most by land. Massachusetts shelters already care for more than 7,500 families, with around 600 more on a waiting list. As more migrants pour into the state, this list is expected to grow.

Boston is one of many major cities across the United States facing a huge migrant crisis. Cities across the country have received large amounts of migrants in the past months and have struggled to find sufficient housing options for many of them. 

Chicago has received over 34,000 migrants since August 31, 2022. As of January 25, 183 are still awaiting placement in a shelter, with two in a police station and 181 at O'Hare International Airport. O'Hare's Bus and Shuttle Center has become a temporary shelter for those awaiting proper placement, and like Logan Airport, the number of migrants sheltering there is also expected to grow.

What's Next?

As Massachusetts struggles to accommodate the huge influx of migrants, its governor has asked for assistance. Governor Maura Healey has requested additional aid from the federal government. She has already submitted a budget proposal of $325 million for family shelters and an additional $700 million to supplement shelters to keep up with the constant inflow of migrants.

The reason why Massachusetts continues to see such high numbers of migrants is due to its status as a "right-to-shelter" state. Massachusetts is the only state with this categorization. This allows families to be guaranteed a right to shelter in the state. Unlike New York City, which grants all homeless individuals a right to shelter, Massachusetts does not make a similar provision for people experiencing homelessness.

Flight operations continue as normal at Logan Airport. The large number of migrants temporarily housed at Terminal E will only continue to grow if no aid is given to Massachusetts for it to be able to open more migrant shelters.