MARTHA’S VINEYARD (FLV) – Before being sent to Martha’s Vineyard,
migrants flown by Gov. Ron DeSantis were reportedly handed brochures
meant to inform them of “Massachusetts Refugee Benefits.”
Popular Information published the brochure said to have been given to
the migrants. Taryn Fenske, communications director for the governor,
told Florida’s Voice the brochure was legitimate and that the
information provided was accurate.
The brochure told migrants where they would be going – Massachusetts –
and listed various benefits and services the state provides to lawful
refugees.
https://flvoicenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/brochure-front.webp
“Resettlement agencies who resettle refugees under the Match Grant
Program provide cash assistance and in-kind support for refugees for an
additional 90 day beyond the normal 30-day period for Reception and
Placement assistance,” one paragraph read.
The document went on to explain that the state’s agencies have housing,
clothing, food, schooling, and other methods of assistance for refugees
resettled under the Match Grant Program.
The Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) explains
these benefits.
One program – Refugee Employment Services (RES) – is listed on the
brochure one reporter said included “fake” information. The below
excerpt came directly from the Massachusetts website and is present on
the brochure:
Provides targeted services for both early employment and long-
term self-sufficiency through an integrated model including
English and Literacy instruction; employment-related case
management; employment readiness; access to vocational skill
trainings; and job placement, retention and upgrade services.
Massachusetts State Government
Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), displayed on the brochure, also came
directly from the state website:
Provides up to 8 months of cash assistance for income-eligible
refugees without dependent children, who reside in
Massachusetts.
Massachusetts State Government
The middle section of the brochure titled Reception and Placement
Services additionally comes directly from the Massachusetts state
website:
During the first 90 days after a refugee’s arrival in
Massachusetts, resettlement agencies provide basic needs
support including:
– assistance with housing
– furnishings
– food and other basic necessities
– clothing, and
– transportation to job interviews and job training
– assistance in applying for social security cards
– registering children for school
– using public transportation, facilities, and services
– community and cultural orientation
Massachusetts State Government
Reporter Judd Legum, who first released the brochure, claimed “none of
this, however, is true,” in regards to the benefits listed.
The migrants in question “absolutely do not have access to cash,
housing, and other resettlement benefits which are provided through
both federal funds and partnerships with faith-based [organizations],”
Matt Cameron, immigration attorney, reportedly told Legum.
However, the brochure does not say migrants immediately have access to
the benefits, and the details come directly from the state government
website.
Florida Democrats provided scathing remarks to Gov. Ron DeSantis after
the administration flew two planes of illegal migrants from Florida to
Martha’s Vineyard, even though most Democrats approved the budget that
allotted the money for the transport.
“Reminder: As public servants and community members we make choices. We
have a choice to treat immigrants as “other” and political pawns, or we
can treat one another with dignity, love and respect. Y’all know what
choice I’ll always make,” said Democrat state Rep. Anna Eskamani.
Florida House Democrat Leaders held a press conference to discuss their
request for the Legislature to instruct Gov. Ron DeSantis to “cease his
inappropriate use of taxpayer money to apparently intercept, deceive,
and transport asylum seeking migrants.”
House Democrat Leaders claim this use of state funds is not what was
intended or described in law and say the migrants seeking asylum may be
Venezuelan political refugees fleeing an oppressive regime, arguing
they might not be unlawfully present in the United States.
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Let's go Brandon!