Mass deportation concerns in Massachusetts
Dec 11, 2024
BOSTON (WWLP) - As the incoming Trump administration vows to deport foreign-born residents, Massachusetts lawmakers are expressing concern about the social and economic consequences of mass deportation.
In a Sunday interview, Trump said his administration will focus their deportation efforts on undocumented immigrants with criminal histories, and left the door open to deport children who are here legally and who are part of mixed-status families.
He also said he wants to end birthright citizenship, which is enshrined in the United States Constitution.
Governor Healey has long been an outspoken opponent of Trump. Healey joins other Massachusetts lawmakers in voicing concern about the economic consequences of mass deportation.
"There are so many people who are gainfully employed, who are paying taxes, who are raising children here who are in schools, and it would crater our economy if that kind of activity were to occur," said Healey.
Some commonwealth Republicans see this potential policy shift differently.
One GOP strategist and consultant says the results of the election show support for deportation.
"The entire state of Massachusetts has an open border, has a policy which is out of step with other states. We have a lot of illegal immigrants here, people voted for immigrants to be deported," said Rob Gray, a Republican strategist and media consultant.
Governor Healey was asked if she would comply if the Trump administration were to try to mobilize the state police to help with deportations, and she said "absolutely not."
State lawmakers have historically declined to pass laws to limit cooperation with immigration enforcement.
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