The state of Massachusetts has witnessed a significant increase in the number of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, soaring by 35 percent from June 2023 to May 2024. This growth, which amounts to an additional 672,483 EBT cards, has been reported by the Boston Herald and is indicative of a substantial inflow of low-income migrants.
As these new welfare recipients flood the system, many middle-class residents are opting to leave the state in search of cheaper housing, lower taxes, and better job opportunities. This demographic shift has prompted urgent calls for an audit of the state’s welfare agency to understand the implications of this rapid increase.
The areas most affected by the surge in EBT card usage include Brockton, Dorchester, Codman Square, New Bedford, and Lawrence. The influx of migrants has been partly facilitated by policies from the Biden administration that grant temporary legal status to newly-arrived individuals, allowing them access to federal aid programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
This support has been particularly important for low-income families, but it also raises concerns about the sustainability of such welfare programs in the face of increasing demand.
Massachusetts Sees 35% Surge in EBT Cards as Migrant Influx Sparks Debate Over Welfare Sustainability
The financial implications of this demographic change are significant. Massachusetts taxpayers have already spent over $1 billion on emergency shelter systems to accommodate the influx of migrants, which includes both those who have arrived illegally and those benefiting from temporary protected status.
Budget officials estimate that an additional $1.8 billion will be needed in the coming years to continue supporting these programs. This mounting financial pressure has raised alarms among residents about the viability of the state’s welfare infrastructure as it struggles to keep up with rising demand.
Despite some advocates celebrating the arrival of migrants for their potential contributions to local economies, many Massachusetts residents face worsening living conditions. The average home value in the state has skyrocketed to $628,998, marking a 6.6 percent increase in just one year.
Consequently, more residents are choosing to relocate, resulting in a noticeable population decline in cities like Boston, which has lost nearly 25,000 residents since 2020. This trend reflects broader issues within the state, as the cost of living continues to rise amid changing demographic dynamics.
These shifts highlight the growing wealth disparity in Massachusetts, where income inequality is becoming increasingly pronounced. Recent data reveals that 20 percent of households earn over $200,000, while 27 percent report incomes below $50,000.
This growing divide is further exacerbated by a labor market increasingly reliant on low-wage migrant workers, which in turn depresses wages and affects employment opportunities for local residents. As cities continue to adapt to these changes, questions about the long-term sustainability of such demographic policies and their impact on the local economy remain critical.
